Talkson holdfor Michael
From Back Page on hold over any potential switch to Hampden.
O’Neill had been concerned by his mum’s deteriorating health in the build-up to his country’s crunch World Cup play-off against Switzerland earlier this month.
The 48-year-old travelled from Northern Ireland’s Belfast base to Ballymena to be at her bedside before the first leg at Windsor Park.
She sadly lost her fight for life yesterday evening and O’Neill will now put all thoughts of his next career move on the back burner.
The IFA had given the SFA permission to speak to O’Neill about the Scotland job – and Hampden chief Stewart Regan had planned to meet him this week to discuss the possibility of becoming Gordon Strachan’s successor.
But talks will be shelved with O’Neill, who is also reportedly being lined up by West Brom if Tony Pulis is axed by the Baggies.
O’Neill spoke of the huge of influence of both his mum and dad Des after leading Northern Ireland to their first Euro Championship last year.
He said: “The stability that my family has given me has been very important. I’m very fortunate to have had a stable family background,
“My parents have been a great source of support and guidance to all the family and they have always been there for me.”