Tag: Northern

Michael O’Neill: Why did Northern Ireland boss extend deal after Blackburn Rovers interest?
27 May 2026 Off

Michael O’Neill: Why did Northern Ireland boss extend deal after Blackburn Rovers interest?

By Total Football News

While O’Neill did not explicitly say in his press conference he would be open to another short-term dual role going forward, he also did not rule it out.

He has admitted he “underestimated” the noise surrounding him taking on both roles, and added that “probably could have done with a little less drama”.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI ahead of June’s friendlies with Guinea and France, he reiterated his commitment

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Michael O’Neill: Northern Ireland manager to remain in post after turning down Blackburn job
12 May 2026 Off

Michael O’Neill: Northern Ireland manager to remain in post after turning down Blackburn job

By Total Football News

Northern Ireland fans will be delighted that O’Neill has agreed to continue in his role as manager, especially given the foundation he has laid for possible future success.

He had said that he would “return to the status quo” for Northern Ireland’s June fixtures when asked about his future in March, but then said in April that a decision was still to made, which would have set alarm bells ringing.

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Michael O’Neill: Northern Ireland boss on future with Blackburn
23 April 2026 Off

Michael O’Neill: Northern Ireland boss on future with Blackburn

By Total Football News

O’Neill’s contract with the Irish Football Association (IFA) runs until 2028 and he says there will be talks with Blackburn about his future.

He will lead Blackburn into their final Championship game of the season against already-relegated Leicester on 2 May.

“Look, of course those discussions will take place, you know the club have a decision to make themselves, on what direction they want to go,” he said.

“I’m a

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Michael O’Neill: How will he juggle Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers?
14 February 2026 Off

Michael O’Neill: How will he juggle Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers?

By Total Football News

O’Neill has been brought in at Blackburn to save the club from dropping into League One for the first time since 2018.

However, success with his club could cause issues on the international stage.

O’Neill has consistently spoken about having Northern Ireland’s players playing at the highest level, but a significant number of players will be going up against O’Neill’s Rovers to avoid the drop.

At Sheffield Wednesday, who seem

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Michael O’Neill: Northern Ireland manager to join Blackburn Rovers
13 February 2026 Off

Michael O’Neill: Northern Ireland manager to join Blackburn Rovers

By Total Football News

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill is set to take over at Championship club Blackburn Rovers, initially in a joint role until the end of the season.

Northern Ireland face Italy in a World Cup play-off semi-final in March and then either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in a final or friendly, depending on the result in Bergamo.

O’Neill is expected to be involved for both matches and, if Northern Ireland qualify against

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Slovakia v Northern Ireland: Jamal Lewis receives first Northern Ireland call-up in over a year
12 November 2025 Off

Slovakia v Northern Ireland: Jamal Lewis receives first Northern Ireland call-up in over a year

By Total Football News

Preston North End left-back Jamal Lewis has been called into the Northern Ireland squad for the first time in more than a year.

The 27-year-old, who joined Preston on a short-term deal until the end of December, has won 39 international caps.

The last of those came as in a 1-0 Nations League loss against Bulgaria in October 2024.

Having begun his career at Norwich City, where he made 100

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Shea Charles: Southampton’s Northern Ireland midfielder out until December
31 October 2025 Off

Shea Charles: Southampton’s Northern Ireland midfielder out until December

By Total Football News

Southampton midfielder Shea Charles could be sidelined until late December with a hamstring injury.

The 21-year-old Northern Ireland international had played all but 22 minutes of Saints’ opening 12 Championship games, and also started their first two EFL Cup ties.

But he limped off nine minutes from the end of the the 2-1 defeat at Blackburn on Saturday, to add to boss Will Still’s injury problems.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s

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Ethan Galbraith: Swansea City to ‘keep on building’ with Northern Ireland midfielder
17 October 2025 Off

Ethan Galbraith: Swansea City to ‘keep on building’ with Northern Ireland midfielder

By Total Football News

“He’s somebody who moves well, he’s good with the ball, he can play in different positions, he’s good in small spaces,” Sheehan said.

“Sometimes when you bring players in from different leagues and it’s their first time in the Championship, it takes time and people develop at different speeds. But he’s somebody that’s come in and hit the ground running really.

“My only worry is managing his minutes so he

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Ruairi McConville: Norwich sign Northern Ireland defender from Brighton
3 February 2025 Off

Ruairi McConville: Norwich sign Northern Ireland defender from Brighton

By Total Football News

Norwich City have signed Northern Ireland defender Ruairi McConville from Brighton & Hove Albion for an undisclosed fee.

The 19-year-old’s only senior appearance for the Seagulls came as a substitute in their 4-0 FA Cup win at Carrow Road on 11 January.

But having come through the youth levels with Northern Ireland, the centre-back won his first international cap against Belarus last November.

“Ruairi wants to play regular senior football

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