Michael O'Neill signs new Northern Ireland deal
Belfast (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has signed a two-year extension to his contract, the Irish Football Association announced Tuesday.
The new deal means O'Neill, who replaced Nigel Worthington in December 2011, is set to be in charge for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
"When I was appointed Northern Ireland manager I was honoured to have been chosen to manage my country and I am extremely happy to have agreed a new two-year deal with the Irish Football Association.
"I have said all along that I would like to continue in the role.
"I think there has been a major transition in the team -- it's a very young squad, but a squad which has developed during the last campaign, with several young players of quality emerging.
"I am now looking forward to taking the team into the European Championship qualifiers."
Under O'Neill, Northern Ireland could only finish fifth out of six teams in their 2014 World Cup qualifying group and suffered an embarrassing loss to Luxembourg.
Northern Ireland have won just one of their 14 matches under O'Neill, but IFA president Jim Shaw said: "I am delighted that Michael has agreed a two-year extension to his contract.
"I have no doubt that he will be able to build on the work he has already done and will take us forward in the Euro 2016 campaign.
"Michael is a true professional who has passion and pride -- something which he showed as a player for his country and now as a manager and I believe he is the right man for the job of Northern Ireland manager."
