SFA move for O’Neill Scots deal

THE SFA last night launched their bid to land Michael O’Neill as Scotland boss with an official approach to the Irish FA.

Record Sport understands Scottish football chiefs are confident of snapping up their top target with St Johnstone and Motherwell now on red alert as a result.

Northern Ireland are prepared to offer the ex-Brechin boss a pay hike in a bid to persuade the 48-year-old to stay.

But the IFA are already drawing up a back-up plan with Saints manager Tommy Wright and Well gaffer Stephen Robinson

TOMMY WRIGHT reckons Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is so hands-on he borders on having OCD like himself!

The St Johnstone boss insists O’Neill leaves no stone unturned in preparation and sets the highest standards.

And Wright revealed the ferocious work ethic in both men comes from the fact they served managerial apprenticeships with part-time clubs.

He said: “Michael is so meticulous in what he does and how he prepares.

“He is a great tactician and motivator. He puts a tremendous amount of thought into things.

“With the IFA, Michael has brought Northern Ireland up to a level the international team should be.

“He is totally hands on and a bit like myself in that he is OCD about things. He sets high standards and sorts out everything whether that be training facilities, accommodation, travel arrangements.

“He has great staff around him. He brings in the best doctor, physios, analysts, sports scientists – and I know he’s had to make cases for that to the IFA. He wouldn’t leave that to anybody else.

“We both managed at part-time clubs and you end up having to do a lot of this kind of stuff anyway.

“Michael’s biggest asset is he knows how to manage people and get the best out of players.

“He built a relationship with his Northern Ireland squad. If you do that the team will go that little bit extra for you.

“How he treats people is second to none. That sets him aside from other coaches.”