Michael O'Neill denies link with Norwich City

Jonathan Porter/PressEye.com
Published 3rd May 2017

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has brushed off rumours linking him with the vacant job at Norwich City.

Several reports in England suggest the club made an informal approach in an attempt to recruit him as a replacement for Alex Neil, who was sacked in March.

"There isn't really any situation for me to comment on," he said.

O'Neill's current contract with the IFA runs until 2020, and includes a £750,000 release clause if a Premier League club wants to hire him. This figure is believed to be lower for clubs in the English 2nd tier.

"Looking in from the outside, Norwich have gone for a different structure. I think they're looking for a head coach, as opposed to a manager. Having been a manager all my days, I see myself as a manager."

O'Neill says he's concentrating on his current role, and the objective of World Cup qualification.

"Having managed my country for the last 5 years, my focus is to continue on this role and get us to Russia."

Northern Ireland's qualification continues when they travel to Azerbaijan on the 10th of June.