O'Neill reckons "they won't need to go too far afield" to find his successor as NI boss

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Michael O'Neill.

Q Radio Sport

Michael O'Neill reckons his successor as Northern Ireland manager could be someone close to the international set-up.

His eight-year tenure ended yesterday and he'll now concentrate on his full-time job of Stoke City boss.

Among those said to be in the running to take over here are former O'Neill assistants Stephen Robinson and Austin MacPhee, as well as Irish FA staff Jim Magilton and under-21 manager Ian Baraclough.

Ex-internationals Tommy Wright and David Healy have also been linked to the post. 

O'Neill has told Q Radio he thinks continuity is important and those running the game here won't have to look too far for a replacement...

Meanwhile, the 50-year-old says with the Euro play-off in Bosnia being rescheduled until later this year it was time for him to go...

Michael believes a structure's in place for football here to kick on...

Northern Ireland qualified for their first ever European Championship under O'Neill. 

It was also the national team's first major tournament in 30 years. 

Michael says Euro 2016 in France was one of many highlights...

He says he appreciates all the support over the years, especially during some difficult days...

It's now time for a different challenge - keeping Stoke City in the Championship, then trying to get them back into the Premier League.

And he's revealed some young Northern Ireland talent could be joining him in England...

Michael isn't ruling out a return to the international stage at some point in the future...

 

 

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