Five potential candidates to replace Michael O'Neill at Northern Ireland if he joins Blackburn Rovers on full-time basis

O'Neill will initially join the Championship club in a dual role, meaning he'll be in charge for March's World Cup semi-final play-off trip to Italy, but the 56-year-old could potentially have to make a decision about his long-term future this summer.

He has enjoyed tremendous success with Northern Ireland, leading his country to Euro 2016 qualification and reached the 100-match mark last year.

Northern Ireland have an exciting crop of youngsters showing promise on the international stage with O’Neill playing a key role in developing the likes of Conor Bradley, Shea Charles and Isaac Price.

If he were to depart – and that remains an if with his current Blackburn deal only running until the end of this season – it would undoubtedly be a hammer blow for Northern Ireland, but here are five potential candidates who could act as his successor.

David Healy

Northern Ireland’s record goalscorer Healy has seemed like a natural successor to O’Neill for some time after enjoying a trophy-laden tenure at Linfield, winning six Premiership titles across his decade in charge.

He enjoyed a distinguished international career, famously scoring in victories over England and Spain, and racked up 95 caps before retiring in 2013.

A Northern Ireland legend, Healy has previously been linked with jobs across the water but remained at the Blues and signed a new contract up until 2028 after guiding Linfield to league title glory last season.

Already working at Windsor Park, Healy would likely be amongst the top contenders to replace O’Neill if he makes his England stay permanent.

Stephen Robinson

Robinson started his coaching career in the Irish FA system and was in contention for the Northern Ireland job in 2020, ultimately missing out to Ian Baraclough.

Since then, Lisburn-born Robinson has only continued to impress, guiding St Mirren to three consecutive top-half Scottish Premiership finishes and recently celebrated Premier Sports Cup glory.

Robinson was part of O’Neill’s backroom staff at Euro 2016 and said last year “it would be the ultimate honour to manage your country”.

However, given Robinson’s success, the 51-year-old will likely have a host of clubs in England and Scotland interested in acquiring his services – could he be tempted into international management at this stage?

Tommy Wright

Wright enjoyed a successful stint as a manager in Scotland, winning the 2013/14 Scottish Cup with St Johnstone, and also had a spell in charge at Kilmarnock.

The 62-year-old was appointed Northern Ireland U21 manager in 2023 and has helped bring through a host of players now starring for O’Neill’s senior side.

That familiarity with star talent and knowledge of the Northern Ireland system could be viewed as major bonuses with the country continuing to put an emphasis on youth.

Having managed more than 600 matches throughout his career, Wright would bring extensive experience to the role – but Northern Ireland might be keen for him to continue in his role developing talent.

Grant McCann

Former Northern Ireland international McCann has forged a successful career in management and is currently chief at Doncaster Rovers.

McCann, who played 39 times for his country, won the League Two title with Rovers last season and also celebrated League One glory during a spell at Hull City.

Still only 45, McCann has already managed over 500 matches and was named EFL League One Manager of the Season for his exploits at Hull.

McCann’s immediate priority is guiding Doncaster clear of potential relegation threat – they currently sit one point above the drop zone.

Jim Magilton

Another former Northern Ireland international, Magilton has extensive management experience having enjoyed spells in charge of Queens Park Rangers and Ipswich Town.

He previously worked for the Irish FA as elite performance director and served as Northern Ireland U21 manager before taking on the role of sporting director at Dundalk.

The 56-year-old returned to Northern Ireland with Cliftonville in 2023 and has enjoyed significant success, ending the club’s 45-year wait for Irish Cup glory and also won the BetMcLean Cup last season.

Magilton recently signed a new three-year contract with the Reds, keeping him at Solitude until 2028, but he could be under consideration if O’Neill does depart.