Ian Baraclough tipped as leading name for Northern Ireland job

Sources suggest Ian Baraclough is now considered the leading candidate ahead of Stephen Robinson following this week’s interview process.

The Irish Football Association panel members have also discussed the senior men’s international job with Jim Magilton, Tommy Wright and Kenny Shiels.

However, it is understood contact with Baraclough’s camp has now been made to discuss terms.

Baraclough’s impressive progress as boss of Northern Ireland under 21s suggests the opportunity for continuity within the international set-up as focus turns towards a post-Michael O’Neill era.

Robinson was granted permission to interview with the IFA this week by his Scottish club, Motherwell, with a compensation package believed to be part of the talks.

Magilton, the IFA Elite Performance Director, has also been under consideration along with former St Johnstone boss Wright.

Shiels, the Northern Ireland women’s manager, also met with IFA officials.

The next Northern Ireland boss will take control of a squad two fixtures away from next summer’s rescheduled EURO 2020 finals - with a trip to tackle Bosnia in Zenica on October 8 to set up the opportunity to meet either the Republic of Ireland or Slovakia on November 12.

The Nations League campaign kicks off away to Romania on September 4.

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