Josh Magennis sure Michael O’Neill stayed because of Northern Ireland potential
Josh Magennis is convinced Michael O’Neill stayed on as Northern Ireland boss because he could not walk away from the huge potential in his young squad.
O’Neill last month turned down Blackburn after saving them from relegation during a job-share at the end of last season, instead re-committing to Northern Ireland and signing a new four-year contract.
Magennis knows what is needed to reach a major tournament – he was the only player in this month’s squad who played at Euro 2016 – and said O’Neill knows he has a rapidly-developing squad on their way to big things.
“The squad’s in an unbelievable position,” Magennis said after an encouraging performance in Monday’s 3-1 friendly loss to France.
“I think that’s why Michael stayed. I think there were loads of clubs that wanted him, but Northern Ireland needed him because I think he’s the perfect person to guide these young boys through.
“There’s no reason why we can’t keep competing at the highest level to qualify for tournaments.”
O’Neill fielded a starting XI in Lille with an average age of just 22.6, yet already a number of these players have considerable experience. Trai Hume, 24, has 31 caps, while Shea Charles and Isaac Price, both 22, have more than 30 each themselves.
“The average age is absolutely crazy and all being well no-one gets injured, they’ve got another 10, 12, 15 years at this level…” Magennis said.
“I think the talent and potential is there for the boys to kick on and go to the highest level.”
Magennis is at the other end of his career, but the 35-year-old is not just in the squad to keep the average age up. O’Neill praised his physicality and presence after Monday’s match, while his character and enthusiasm remain key off the pitch.
Magennis played the last 10 minutes in France, having also come off the bench late in Thursday’s friendly win over Guinea. That took him to 89 caps, level with former team-mate Kyle Lafferty for seventh all-time for Northern Ireland.
“I’m very fortunate and blessed to get two more caps and just contribute to the team…” he said. “I don’t really have words to put it into context.”
Now without a club after being released by Exeter, Magennis has already taken his coaching badges but he is not ready to hang up his boots yet, and wants to be in September’s squad for the Nations League.
“Me being able to talk nonsense 24/7 sort of gives me a relationship with everyone in the squad,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s easy for me to be able to relate to whether I’m talking to Jamie Reid who’s 31 or I’m talking to Ceadach (O’Neill) or Braiden (Graham) who are young pups coming through. The dynamic in the group is amazing.
“But for me the only way I get to stay in the squad is if I continue to perform at club level.
“I’m unemployed at the minute. I’m trying to find a new job, but when that dust settles, hopefully I’m at a level where my performance is carrying me through to still be in the squad.”