O’Neill quiet on future after NI KO

Michael O’Neill was unwilling to discuss the future for him and his veteran Northern Ireland players having seen their hopes of reaching a first World Cup in 32 years extinguished.

The Northern Irish valiantly fell short in their play-off against Switzerland, though ultimately not because of what happened in last night’s 0-0 draw in Basel, but due to a contentious penalty decision three days earlier that may haunt some of his team forever.

Referee Ovidiu Hategan dumbfounded them when he spotted a handball against Corry Evans last Thursday and gave a penalty that Ricardo Rodriguez scored – the only goal across 180 minutes.

It may have ended one of the most successful periods in Northern Ireland’s history, with players such as Aaron Hughes, Gareth McAuley and Chris Brunt now perhaps bound for international retirement, and O’Neill maybe considering alternative jobs too.

However, in the immediate aftermath he gave short shrift when asked if he had thought about his future amid suggestions that Scotland and Sunderland see him as the man for them.

“No, I haven’t even considered that (the future),” said O’Neill (pictured).

“Tonight is about being with my players, spending time with them and making sure they are okay.

“As I said to the players themselves, there is no need to make any rash decisions on anything they want to do.

“They have given everything.

“I know it’s a difficult time and it will come for them and they will make considerations going forward, certainly the likes of Aaron and Gareth at 38 and 37, and Chris Brunt... these players that are have had long and established Northern Ireland careers. But they have time to make that decision

“Certainly, at this minute in time, it’s not a decision, and I am not thinking any further ahead than just being with the players.”