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Michael O'Neill is in his second spell as Northern Ireland manager 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 the odds, for the World Cup finals. The 56-year-old could then take over as manager at Blackburn, who are in the Championship's relegation zone, on a permanent basis. Former Northern Ireland midfielder Damien Johnson, who has been in interim charge at Ewood Park, is expected to work alongside O'Neill at the Lancashire club until the end of this season. If a deal with the Irish FA is agreed quickly, O'Neill could be in charge for Saturday's game against Queens Park Rangers. O'Neill attended Thursday's Nations League draw - where Northern Ireland were grouped with Hungary, Ukraine and Georgia - but did not speak to the media. NI relish 'competitive' Nations League draw - O'Neill Blackburn are 22nd in the Championship table, one place from safety on goal difference. They have been without a manager since Valerien Ismael left his role on 2 February, with Johnson taking interim charge. O'Neill had a similar agreement - combining duties with club and country - with Stoke City when his first spell as Northern Ireland manager came to a close in 2020. However, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the Euro 2020 play-offs and O'Neill left his role before those games took place. He returned to the international scene in 2022 and signed a contract that ran until after the Euro 2028 campaign. Northern Ireland are aiming to qualify for a first World Cup in 40 years, and a first major tournament since O'Neill guided his country to the Euro 2016 finals in his first spell. Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Winter Olympics - follow the action from day seven in Italy FA Cup news conferences & team news: Slot & Howe speaking before fourth round Brilliant Muzarabani helps Zimbabwe stun Australia A steamy look at cinema’s seductive language of flirtation A brilliant reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Four women join forces to expose a dangerous predator Why do politicians 'stumble' from one crisis to the next? Is Donley ready to fill NI's 'problem position'? What is Northern Ireland's record against Italy? 'Now feels like the right time to start family' 'We're not Johnny' - Prendergast forging own path 'Shocking' or correct - why Ukrainian skeleton slider was banned Tuchel deal delights FA - but timing has echoes of Capello decision Did Dyche deserve the sack at Nottingham Forest? Lucky break that changed Alexander-Arnold's Real future Frank's downfall: Inside his struggle to get players and fans onboard GB's Weston bids for skeleton gold - Friday's guide 'England the perfect game for Scotland's salvation army' In Pictures: The best of the Winter Olympics - day by day How Team GB is leading the way in curling's arms race Pilates pain and spotting space - how Ford stays in England fly-half fight at 32 Malinin, Minion and Milan's most emotional moment Why British coach is 'game-changer' for Super Bowl winners & NFL From 1% chance of survival to Super Bowl winner Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.