O'Neill likely to get Northern Ireland job

Former Shamrock Rovers boss Michael O’Neill looks set to be offered the vacant position at Northern Ireland. The Portadown native left the Hoops after contract negations broke down between him and the club and he announced that Rovers’ final Europa League game would be his last in charge.

Since announcing his intention to leave, O’Neill was linked with the job at Hibs which was taken by Pat Fenlon. O’Neill’s assistant manager at Rovers, Jim Magilton was one of the other candidates in the running along with former Northern Ireland star Iain Dowie.

But having concluded their interview process Irish FA bosses look set to offer the role to O’Neill. However a limited budget may not see the former Newcastle midfielder receive the reported £450,000 a year that Worthington was on. A figure closer to £200,000 is more realistic, but having made the offer it is now down to chief executive Patrick Nelson to resume talks with O’Neill after the Christmas period.

 The offer comes amid speculation that managerless Hartlepool had made O’Neill their top priority.

Since taking charge of Brechin in 2006 O’Neill had forged his way to the top and he has taken Irish football to a new level with his foray into the Europa League and despite failing to claim a point Shamrock Rovers and O’Neill put in some spirited performances.

The 42 year old has been capped 33 times at international level and he may consider bringing along his Rovers number two to Northern Ireland should he accept the role. Preston North End are believed to be interested in Magilton after sacking Phil Brown recently.

If he takes the job, O’Neill will face a tough job to get his country to the World Cup in 2014 with Portugal, Russia and Israel in their group.