Tommy could be ‘Wright’ man for the job
�Press Eye Ltd Northern Ireland - 30th August 2011 Mandatory Credit - Photo-William Cherry/Presseye Carling Premiership - Lisburn Distillery v Linfield Distillery manager Tommy Wright pictured during Tuesday nights Carling Premiership game against Linfield at New Grosvenor, Ballyskeagh.
NORTHERN Ireland manager Michael O’Neill will confirm his backroom staff within the next week.
It’s expected that his former colleague Tommy Wright, now with St Johnstone, and ex-Scottish international Billy McKinlay will provide the back-up.
“The backroom staff is agreed, but we are awaiting official confirmation because of their club commitments,” said O’Neill. “It is just a case of finalising the formalities. It’s not a commitment issue. They will stay with their clubs and it will be a dual role.
“The two individuals I have in place are the first two I wanted involved in my backroom staff. The conversations have been ongoing since January. I would hope it will be confirmed later this week or early next week,” said O’Neill.
O’Neill admitted he is disappointed that the injured Chris Brunt and Kyle Lafferty will not be available for his first game in charge against Norway at Windsor Park on February 29, but he has a good idea who will be involved.
“It is unfortunate for the lads,” he said. “It’s about deciding on the players who will provide a balance in the squad. There are one or two who are having good seasons. I’ve had players watched and had reports and the reports have been good.
“I have players on my radar and it’s important they know. It’s important those players who aren’t involved in the first squad don’t feel they won’t be involved under a new manager.
“I’m fairly there or thereabouts (about finalising numbers). I have a few decisions to make. I have maybe four to six players to select from eight to 10. I think supporters will see a few players who weren’t involved under previous managers.”
New kid on the block, Rory Donnelly, who recently moved from Cliftonville to Swansea may have to wait for this chance.
“Rory Donnelly is still settled in there (at Swansea), but he might be better served being in the Under-21 squad as opposed to bring him into the senior squad and not be involved.
“Obviously, he is on my radar and I’m keen to get him involved as quickly as possible, but he has to focus on getting his club career right at this moment in time.”
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Tuesday 29 May 2012
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