Gerry Armstrong: Michael O'Neill's move to Blackburn Rovers is no short-term issue but long-term clarity needed
Gerry Armstrong has no doubts that Michael O’Neill will do everything he can to guide Northern Ireland to the World Cup – but admits he has a major decision to make regarding his long-term future.
O’Neill has been confirmed as the new Blackburn Rovers boss initially on a “temporary arrangement” until the end of the season, where he will also continue to lead Northern Ireland in a dual role.
The news comes ahead of the Green and White Army facing Italy in a World Cup play-off semi-final next month, and if they can come overcome the Azzurri, then they will lock horns with either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in the final.
Blackburn sit 22nd in the Championship, level on points with Leicester above them with a game in hand.
Armstrong, who was part of the Northern Ireland squad for the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, says preparations for next month’s international window shouldn’t be badly affected by the development.
"It has happened rather quickly...I knew he was linked 48 hours ago but obviously conversations have been going on for a while,” he said.
"The role of a manager from 1982 and 1986 to now is totally different. Michael has so much staff with him at Northern Ireland that will help with the transition into this dual role. I remember back then we only had one physio and he was doubling up doing other things.
"I know Michael’s decision won’t go down well with all of the fans but he will prepare for the Italy game in his usual meticulous way.
"He will obviously do everything he can to keep Blackburn in the Championship but the good thing is that it won’t overlap with Northern Ireland as there will be an international break.
"I don’t see this being an issue in the short-term but Michael needs to get his ducks in a row in terms of what happens after the March window with Northern Ireland.”
Armstrong also voiced his surprise at O’Neill’s decision to take on both jobs in what was a similar arrangement when he took charge of Northern Ireland and Stoke City in 2019.
He was meant to manage the country in the Euro 2020 play-offs but these fixtures were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and therefore he subsequently left his position as Northern Ireland manager before returning in late 2022.
“I am a wee bit surprised by Michael’s decision to return to club football,” he added.
"I thought I read somewhere that he was done with managing at club level but maybe this is a different scenario as Blackburn are still a big club.
"They are previous Premier League winners and Michael is obviously a talented and ambitious manager...so maybe he feels this is too good of an opportunity to turn down.”
O’Neill has been gradually building an exciting group of players with Northern Ireland and Armstrong hopes the fruits of those labours don’t go to waste.
He explained: “He has formed a really talented squad and it’s just a shame with the injury to Conor Bradley, who is our talisman.
"We are obviously a small country and I feel we are probably two or three players short in certain positions, but Michael will know that.
"We have steadily improved and got better and hopefully that continues.”