He's seen Michael Carrick excelling back at Manchester United - and now old team-mate Phil Jones is following him into coaching work. Jones, 33, has been appointed as an assistant to Michael O'Neill at Blackburn Rovers, alongside former Southampton and Rangers midfielder Steven Davis. Northern Ireland claim the move to allow O'Neill to job share is 'progressive' and won't impact the country's World Cup qualification bid. In September of last year he said: 'I'm ready for a challenge and I'm eager, just like I was as a player. '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.'

Source: Metro February 13, 2026 14:11 UTC