Cousins an Andy man to have: Ian

IAN BARACLOUGH accepts it will be a challenge replacing one of Michael O’Neill’s secret weapons.

Andy Cousins headed up scouting and recruitment for O’Neill and helped unearth English born talents Jamal Lewis and Bailey PeacockFarrell for the national team.

However, the publicity-shy Dubliner (below) recently followed his boss to Stoke City as head of performance analysis.

“It is definitely something I’ve had a think about because Andy was an integral part of the coaching staff,” said new boss Baraclough. “The work he did behind the scenes and his part in bringing eligible players through; it is key we continue that and it is something we have placed great emphasis on.