Michael O’Neill says he believes taking on the Blackburn Rovers job can help Northern Ireland’s bid to qualify for the World Cup after confirmation that he will assume the manager’s position at Ewood Park until the end of the season. As revealed by the Belfast Telegraph on Thursday evening, O’Neill has agreed a deal to succeed Valerien Ismael at the Lancashire club but also remain in his role as Northern Ireland manager for next month’s massive World Cup Play-Off Semi-Final in Italy. Rovers are in the relegation zone in the Championship, with O'Neill's remit to keep them up. Another ex-Northern Ireland player Damien Johnson, who has been interim boss at Blackburn lately, will also work with O'Neill. This development comes just six weeks before Northern Ireland play Italy in a World Cup Play-Off Semi-Final on March 26, with the winners in Bergamo travelling to Bosnia or Wales for the decider five days later.

Source: Metro February 13, 2026 10:16 UTC