O’Neill seeks out Hodgson for major tournament tips

MICHAEL O’NEILL will ask England boss Roy Hodgson for advice as he plans for Northern Ireland’s first major tournament in 30 years.

O’Neill revealed Hodgson was one of the first to congratulate him after Northern Ireland beat Greece 3-1 at Windsor Park on Thursday to book their place in France next summer.

Hodgson worked with Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis, Aaron Hughes, Chris Baird, Gareth McAuley and Chris Brunt at Fulham and West Brom, and O’Neill intends to contact his 68-year-old counterpart before December’s Euro 2016 draw.

‘It’s a new experience for me as a coach, the players and the association,’ said O’Neill, who also plans to consult Ireland’s rugby World Cup management.

‘I’ll pick the brains of people like Roy Hodgson. We’ll maybe have to do that before the draw because they might not help us if we’re in the same group.

‘Roy’s had experience of major tournaments with Switzerland and England so it would be foolhardy of me not to try and tap into that knowledge. He’s always been very forthcoming with guidance and advice.’

O’Neill is determined his side will secure the point required in Finland today to finish top ahead of Romania, warning his team that they are playing for their places in France.

‘There’s not a lot of football for players to get themselves on the plane,’ he said.