Michael O'Neill: Northern Ireland manager appointed Blackburn boss
It's a short-term deal at the Championship club during which he will continue his international duties
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has been appointed Blackburn Rovers boss in a dual role until the end of the season.
He will take charge of their game tomorrow (Saturday) against QPR while still leading Northern Ireland through their World Cup play-offs - starting with Italy in Bergamo next month.
If they progress, he'll also oversee the final against Wales or Bosnia.
Blackburn sit in the Championship relegation places as O’Neill steps in.
O’Neill said: “I am grateful to the Irish FA for their support in allowing me to take this opportunity.
“I think it’s a forward-thinking approach, where I’ll be using a scheduled period of inactivity creatively and proactively.
“Being out on the grass every day, involved in matches, tactical work and the intensity of club football, keeps you at your best.
“It also gives me closer visibility of players operating in the Championship, where a significant number of our squad are competing week in, week out. Having that proximity to their environment is valuable in terms of understanding form, fitness and emerging talent.
“If this experience helps sharpen me and enhances our preparation even marginally, then it’s a positive step for us.”
Irish FA Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson, said: “We see this as a progressive move. The decision was taken following careful consideration and has been structured to ensure that the national team’s preparation and planning, remain unaffected.
“Michael remaining active on the grass during this period can only enhance the level of our preparation for the play-off.
“We are assured that, following four months of preparation, everything remains on track, and our focus is firmly on ensuring the squad is ready between now and kick-off in Bergamo. Michael will be using his downtime productively by being in and amongst the cut and thrust of elite-level football.
“With a World Cup play-off on the horizon, we are confident this experience will only strengthen his preparedness ahead of such a key fixture.”