Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill unwilling to rule out club job
Thursday 24 December 2015 09:01, UK
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill is closing in on signing a new long-term contract with the Northern Irish FA, but admits he will consider club offers that come his way.
O'Neill led Northern Ireland to their first European Championships as his team qualified as group winners, but the former Newcastle, Dundee United & Hibernian midfielder insists he is not putting pressure on himself to manage at club level.
"I've always said that if an opportunity presents itself i would consider it if and when it was presented to me, but I'm not rushing to get into club management," O'Neill told Sky Sports reporter Paul Gilmour.
"People say to me 'your stock is so high, this is the time' but i don't really see it like that. I think football management is a very difficult career to plan so you very much do the job in the here and the now and that's what I've focused on."
O'Neill will sign a new four-year contract in January that will "offer protection" to both himself and the Northern Ireland FA, as he continues to prepare his players for Euro 2016.
"Contract discussions with the IFA have been very positive but my focus is on France and the tournament to make sure we do our best."
Watch the full interview with Michael O'Neill on Sky Sports News HQ and skysports.com from Monday 28 December
