Fresh Blackburn Rovers manager hunt twist emerges ft Michael O'Neill | OneFootball

Michael O'Neill looks set to become the next Blackburn Rovers manager, and he could be watching on this weekend.

Blackburn Rovers are closing in on their next manager, as Valerien Ismael is finally set to be replaced following his mutually agreed exit on transfer deadline day.

It was revealed by Alan Nixon on Wednesday afternoon that the Lancashire outfit were keen on bringing former Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill to Ewood Park as the Frenchman's successor, despite his current work with the Northern Ireland national team.

The 56-year-old is the current head coach of the Green and White Army and he has been offered the vacancy at Rovers on the basis that he is free to stick with his nation alongside this work, as they prepare for a World Cup qualifier against Italy in March.

Attention has turned to O'Neill following stalled talks with ex-Derby County manager Gary Rowett, and it has now been reported when he could be watching Blackburn for the first time as their new gaffer.

Michael O'Neill could be in the stands as Blackburn Rovers make the trip to QPR

Rovers are set to make the trip to Loftus Road this weekend, as they look to take themselves out of the Championship bottom three with a positive result against Julien Stephan's QPR side.

Damien Johnson will more than likely oversee proceedings from the dugout, as he has done in the club's three most recent fixtures. However, O'Neill could be in the stands in West London on Saturday, as he prepares for the Nations League draw with Northern Ireland.

That's according to Alan Nixon, who has said that Blackburn are preparing to send a proposal to their potential next manager, and an arrangement will be made with the Northern Irish FA to help plan out how the 56-year-old can work in both positions.

There is a possibility that O'Neill could oversee training on Friday, although this is unlikely and, instead, he may have to wait until next week to get his first proper look at his new squad.

Michael O'Neill's first game in charge could be a Lancashire derby

While Blackburn are unable to face their traditional East Lancashire rivals Burnley in the league this season, they do have the luxury of playing in another county-based derby as they welcome Preston North End to Ewood Park next Friday.

This could prove to be O'Neill's first game in charge of Rovers, and if he is able to pick up a much-needed win, then he would instantly win himself over with supporters.

The fanbase in BB2 struggled to connect with Valerien Ismael as he failed to maintain the form that John Eustace had brought to the side in the months prior to his departure to Derby.

O'Neill did not have too much success with Stoke during his only other taste of the Championship, but he has proven his worth with Northern Ireland in recent years and he could be the man to keep Blackburn in the second tier.