Thursday 9 October 2014 20:17, UK
Michael O'Neill says he will consider "down the line" whether Billy McKinlay returns to his Northern Ireland staff.
McKinlay quit as manager O'Neill's assistant to take up a role as Watford's head coach only to be told after two games his services were no longer required.
That leaves the Scot watching from the sidelines as Northern Ireland go into European Qualifiers against Faroe Islands and Greece on the back of victory in Hungary in their opening Group F game.
And O'Neill will negotiate those games before he and McKinlay discuss any future involvement.
"That's something that's really not for now," he said. "We've kept communication going over the week and that's something we can address down the line.
"I'm very disappointed for him, and really I think Watford have to look at themselves.
"Billy's not done anything untoward there - he went in in difficult circumstances, got a win and a draw and suddenly finds himself out of work again which is very poor.
"There's a human aspect to football as well and I think the owners, technical directors and chief executives need to consider that when they're playing with people's lives in this way.
"I'm very disappointed for Billy, but this week we've not really been affected too much because Jim Magilton and Stephen Robinson have stepped in and done an excellent job."
Watch Northern Ireland take on Faroe Islands live on Sky Sports 5 this Saturday. Kick-off is at 7.45pm.
