Former Northern Ireland international Grant McCann has declared “I’d love to manage my country” and labelled the job as “the pinnacle” amid doubts surrounding Michael O’Neill’s long-term future.

O’Neill is expected to make a final call on his future plans imminently with the Northern Ireland chief considering a three-year contract offered by Blackburn Rovers after preserving their Championship status.

His current deal with the Irish FA runs until 2028, but O’Neill has left the door open for a summer exit with Rovers keen to secure his services on a permanent basis.

If O’Neill, who previously led Northern Ireland to the 2016 Euros, does depart, it would undoubtedly be a hammer blow for the IFA, but McCann could be amongst the top options to replace him.

placeholder image — Northern Ireland's Grant McCann previously won a League One title with Hull City. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Getty Images)

McCann amassed 39 caps for Northern Ireland and has spent the past decade managing in England’s Football League.

The 46-year-old celebrated League One title glory with Hull City in 2021 – he was named Manager of the Season for the feat – before winning a League Two crown with current club Doncaster Rovers last year.

McCann would certainly have the managerial credentials to be considered for his nation’s top job – he has already taken charge of more than 500 matches throughout his career, winning 222 times and drawing 113.

He has watched on as an exciting Northern Ireland squad have made significant strides under O’Neill and McCann admits he’d be keen to seize the chance to lead his country.

"I'd love to manage my country, I really would," said McCann according to the News Letter’s sister title Doncaster Free Press. "I think it's the pinnacle of any sort of sport, to manage your country is everything.

"Northern Ireland have been fortunate, they have a really good manager in place at this moment in time in Michael.

"But never say never, I'd love to if they'd have me.

“I think they have some top, top players coming through in the under-21s and the first team. They're a young up-and-coming team that can do big things in the next few years, I believe.

"I'd love to but it's not as easy as that. I'd love to go and give it a go some day and try and be successful just like Michael's done."