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Northern Ireland Boss O'Neill Extends Contract Until 2032
O'Neill passed on Blackburn Rovers to stay in international football after guiding Northern Ireland through 104 matches, the Irish FA said.
On Wednesday, Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill signed a four-year contract extension until 2032, just two weeks after rejecting an offer from Blackburn Rovers.
O'Neill was appointed interim Blackburn manager in February while balancing Northern Ireland duties, but after guiding the club to Championship safety, he ultimately chose to remain in international football.
Since taking charge in 2011, O'Neill has managed a record-breaking 104 games for Northern Ireland, including leading the nation to Euro 2016, though the team missed World Cup qualification after a 2-0 loss to Italy in March.
IFA President Conrad Kirkwood praised O'Neill's 'massive contribution' to the team, while O'Neill stated 'This is a role that means a great deal to me' and expressed belief in the squad's potential.
With Euro 2028 qualification as the next goal, O'Neill named a 23-strong squad for June friendlies against Guinea in Cadiz, Spain and World Cup-bound France, handing first call-ups to 18-year-old prospects Braiden Graham of Everton and Ceadach O'Neill of Arsenal.