Michael O’Neill: Interim Blackburn Rovers boss says decision on future has to be right for all

Interim Blackburn Rovers boss Michael O’Neill has said whatever happens with his future has to be right for him, the club and Northern Ireland.

O’Neill took over on until the end of the season in February and has combined the role with his duties as Northern Ireland head coach.

After confirming Rovers’ place in the Championship for next season he said last week it was not sustainable to combine the roles for a longer period.

“I think it’s in everyone’s interest that the right solution is found for everyone because Blackburn want to plan as early as they can for next season,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire.

“The conditions have to be right for all three parties, it’s not just for the Irish Football Association and Blackburn, it’s for me as well.

“It has to be right for my family situation. I currently live in Scotland and that works for me with going back and forth to Belfast and predominantly coming down to the north of England to watch games.

“I’m scheduled to take the two Northern Ireland games in June but equally the club here have the right, if they want to, to activate the termination clause in my contract.

“I’ve had messages with the people at the IFA and also had conversations with the people here and it’s all been very positive.”

O’Neill, whose contract with Northern Ireland runs through to 2028, has won five of his 15 games in charge of Blackburn to lead them to safety with a game to spare.

He reaffirmed that he did not think it was right to “celebrate” the feat of keeping the club in the division.

“I was brought in here to do a job and we’ve done that. Hopefully that’s been a positive but it doesn’t feel like something I should celebrate,” he said.

“It’s brought a sense of relief and hopefully it gives the fanbase a bit of hope.”

Blackburn end the season with a home game against relegated Leicester on Saturday (12:30 BST).