Michael O'Neill hopes 'genuine' former team-mate Duncan Ferguson can 'steer Glentoran in right direction'

O’Neill joined the Scottish club from Newcastle United for what was their record transfer fee of £350,000 in 1989 before Ferguson signed as a promising young talent the following year.

The pair played together in Scotland’s top-flight for three seasons before both moved on in 1993 – O’Neill switched to Hibernian while Ferguson went to Rangers, where he’d win a league title prior to joining Everton.

Ferguson established a reputation as a cult figure of English football across spells at Goodison Park and was a high-profile arrival to the Irish League last month after being confirmed as Glentoran’s new manager.

Northern Ireland chief O’Neill also has a connection to The Oval having made 41 league appearances for the east Belfast club towards the end of his playing career before moving into management.

Ferguson’s move to Northern Ireland has undoubtedly brought extra attention to the Premiership with the 54-year-old ultimately tasked to end a long wait for Gibson Cup glory.

While initially surprised to see Ferguson appointed as Declan Devine’s successor, O’Neill has belief he’ll throw himself fully into the role.

"I'm pleased to see him here – a little bit surprised but it’s good,” said O’Neill. “I haven't had the chance to speak to him yet.

"It was a good start for him, a good result – away to Coleraine is as tough a game as you can get.

"Duncan loves football, I think that comes across in all of his interviews, he's a great personality as well, had a great playing career and we know the managers he's worked under so I think it's a real positive that he's here.

"His reasons for being here will be genuine, he wants to do well, that's the most important thing, and hopefully he does do well.

"I think that Glentoran have a good owner, they've got a decent group of players, and hopefully he's the man that can steer them in the right direction.”

During his first press conference after being unveiled as Glentoran’s new boss, Ferguson spoke of his friendship with O’Neill during their days in Scotland and suggested he’d get in contact to discuss Irish League matters.

"I played with Michael when we were young men up at Dundee United,” said Ferguson. “I actually used to go and stay in his apartment on a Tuesday night and I used to chat with him.

"Good fella, great player – he was a good player at Dundee United, had a great career, and he’s doing very well for Northern Ireland.

"I’ll have to pick his brains, I’ll give him a phone call. I didn’t know he played for Glentoran, but that’s fantastic.”