WON’T WASH OUR HANDS OF EUROS

O’neill: Playoff may not take place in June.. but when it does we will strive to qualify for tournament

MICHAEL O’NEILL accepts question marks are destined to hang over the conclusion of Northern Ireland’s Euro 2020 campaign due to the coronavirus crisis.

The Green and White Army were due to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in a crucial play-off semifinal in Zenica yesterday. That fixture has been postponed until early-june by UEFA, but with the Covid-19 threat deepening, it remains to be seen when football returns to the international calendar.

O’neill admitted as much yesterday when he told fans in an open later that the Bosnian showdown “may or may not take place then”.

The Stoke City boss said: “The match against Bosnia and Herzegovina has been rescheduled for June – it may or may not take place then.

“But I am sure that when it eventually does go ahead we will be able to count on your support as we once again strive to qualify for a major tournament.

“I should have been preparing the team to face Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off semi-final of the Euro 2020 qualifiers.

“That game in Zenica has, of course, been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“The Euro 2020 tournament scheduled for this June and July has also fallen by the wayside due to this terrible disease. It will now be staged next year instead.”

If the June play-off date is further postponed and rescheduled for later in the year, O’neill’s ability to ‘double job’ for an extended period of time will come into question.

And if Northern Ireland qualify for the finals in 15 months time, the 50-year-old, who was appointed Stoke boss in November, is unlikely to be at the helm.

However, those are questions for a later date as O’neill insists everyone’s focus is currently on “keeping loved ones safe” through a global pandemic.

He said: “While both the squad and I are disappointed not to be in action, we are all conscious of the fact we are in the midst of a global crisis.

“Players, managers and coaches are not immune to the potential effects of this deadly virus and we have family members and friends who are classed as vulnerable.”

O’neill reiterated the government guidelines in tackling the spread of the virus.

He said: “Stay at home if you can and if you do have to go outside please ensure it is only to get food, for health reasons or essential work.

“And if you go outside to exercise – once a day is permitted – make sure you observe the rules by staying two metres away from other people.

“And wash your hands as soon as you get home.

“If we all follow the rules then hopefully it won’t be too long before you get to sing your hearts out again. I very much look forward to that day.”