Michael has taken us from 129th to 20th in the world. He’s got the lot as a boss.. it’s vital we keep him
Evans pays tribute to the job O’Neill has done in charge of Northern Ireland
INSPIRATIONAL. Tactically astute. Blessed with an ability to bring a team together and create an unbreakable spirit while achieving wonderful things. Jonny Evans came through the ranks at Manchester United under the best in the business, Sir Alex Ferguson. But when it comes to describing the skills and management of his international gaffer, Evans could scarcely bestow any bigger accolades on to Michael O’Neill. The Northern Ireland talisman may have been discussing his manager in the hope of him staying in the role – but he could just as easily have been writing a scouting report designed to strengthen the desire of the SFA to make him Gordon Strachan’s successor. Evans has been around the block and worked for the best. Satisfying a motivator such as Fergie. Reaching the technical demands of Louis van Gaal. Coping with challenges posed by ex-players who reached the top such as Roy Keane at Sunderland. Taking in the information from an expert organiser in the shape of his current club boss Tony Pulis at West Brom. Evans may be just 29 but he has been at the highest level for over a decade since being signed up at Old Trafford as a teenager after being identified by United talent-spotters in Belfast at just nine. When it comes to O’Neill, he has no doubts. No reservations over his quality and skills. No wonder. Northern Ireland were ranked 129th in the FIFA rankings when the Edinburgh resident took charge. Six years later, and with an appearance at a major finals in last summer’s Euro 2016 tournament in the locker, O’Neill has moved them up 20th by taking paltry resources and working them into a well-oiled unit. And as far as Evans is concerned, it’s no fluke. Hearts defender Aaron Hughes says “a culture of standards” has been the trademark of his manager’s demands. And Evans gave an insight into the detail of his work following the 0-0 draw in Switzerland on Sunday night which heartbreakingly ended the Irish bid for World Cup 2018. But at the same time he opened the door for Stewart Regan and the Hampden hierarchy to get in touch with their counterparts in Belfast requesting O’Neill’s services.
Evans said: “Michael’s so inspirational and very tactical.
“Even the other night, we had just got off the plane to Switzerland and were on the bus on the way to the hotel.
“He had watched the first half of the first leg game and he came down the bus.
“He was saying, ‘We’re calling a meeting tonight and we’re going to watch it because you didn’t play that bad, there are so many basic things you can improve on.’
“It gave everyone a lift straight away. He has such composure and in his team talks he says the right things.
“Even neutrals watching can see we’re a team that really plays for each other. You can see everyone plays for him and we all really respect him.”
O’Neill was displaying his qualities even before he got to the international stage in his dugout career.
He over-achieved at Brechin before going to Shamrock Rovers and guiding the unheralded group from the Irish League to the group stage of the Europa League.
Evans believes O’Neill has a gift of lifting players to new heights and insists he is not afraid to make big decisions and big changes.
O’Neill has introduced young stars such as Kilmarnock’s Jordan Jones and handed them debuts. He has developed the games of unlikely heroes such as Josh Magennis, transforming the former Killie and Aberdeen man by coaching him and, more importantly, trusting him.
Evans insists it’s a testament to his man-management skills and said: “I’ve been really impressed with the lads who have come in.
“Sometimes you think players may think of retiring. But then you look at the young lads in the squad. George Saville has come in and Jordan Jones has made his debut.
“Paddy McNair has come back from injury. Things like this excite me.”
Now the question is whether O’Neill will be there to guide them.
With the SFA and several club chairman having his name high on their wanted lists, the 48-year-old’s career may be about to take him in another direction and possibly towards the top job in Scotland.
Evans’ team-mate Oli Norwood is praying the IFA can somehow fend off the interest and keep him in his current post.
He said: “The message is loud and clear from the players and fans that we would like Michael to stay as we can achieve great things with this squad.
“I hope we stick together. It’s a great bunch of lads. Hopefully, all the players will remain available for one more campaign and we all want Michael to stay.”