He Wants A Contract Extension - He Hasn't Won A Game!

22 March 2013 11:24
Former Toon striker Michael O'Neill wants the chance to make Northern Ireland a competitive force in European football again.

O'Neill goes into Friday's World Cup qualifier against Russia in Belfast still looking for his first win since succeeding Nigel Worthington as manager.

The 43-year-old's deal is up at the end of this year but he believes, given time and a contract extension, qualification for a first major tournament since 1986 is a realistic aim.

Michael O'Neill: "The job for me was always until the end of this campaign but I have enjoyed the challenge.

"If the association felt they wanted me to continue to the Euros I would do it, simple as that.

"It takes you six months to learn the nature of the job and what's expected.

"The relationship with myself and the players is strong and can only continue to develop. Certainly, I would welcome that opportunity.

"I've been in the job a year and we've only had 22 days to work with the players, so that's a challenge. You have to mould a team.

"We'll always be a team that is more than the sum of its parts. In the period of time we have had with the players that's what we have tried to work on.

"I believe this is a group of players who can win games at international level, be competitive and, given time, can get the opportunity to get close to qualification for a major tournament."

Source: Newcastle United Mad

Source: FOOTYMAD