Michael’s earned his shot at the big leagues

LAFFERTY NOT SURPRISED AT OFFERS FOR O’NEILL

NORTHERN Ireland striker Kyle Lafferty says it’s “no surprise” a club of Stoke City’s size and history have made a formal approach for Michael O’neill.

The Sarpsborg frontman also believes O’neill is equipped to be a major success in England if – or when – he opts to part company with the Irish FA.

Stoke, who lie bottom of the Championship, are said to be closing in on a £1.5m a year deal for the 50-year-old who was appointed Northern Ireland boss in 2011.

IFA chiefs, who will demand compensation, confirmed yesterday the Potters had sought permission to open talks about a reported four year contract.

Lafferty would be “disappointed” to see O’neill exit stage left, but believes it was only a matter of time before a cross channel club head hunted the national boss.

“You always hope it won’t happen because I want what’s best for the country and Michael is one of the best managers we’ve ever had,” he said

“I’d be disappointed if he left and I’m sure every other player in the squad feels the same, but I know Michael is definitely good enough to manage at the top level in England.

“When you look at the job he has done, he has earned the right to be linked with big clubs, whether it’s Stoke in the

Championship or a Premier League club.

“Having worked with him for the past seven or eight years, I do think he has the ability to go on and be a really good manager in the Premier League.

“If anyone turns their nose up at that, they just need to