Michael O'Neill hits back at rivals over dual role and player welfare | OneFootball

Michael O’Neill has criticised rival clubs for raising concerns over his dual role with Blackburn and Northern Ireland, insisting he puts players first.

The EFL confirmed they had been contacted by one or more clubs, and said it was not an issue for them to handle. Concerns centred on player usage during the international break, notably Tuesday’s friendly against Wales in Cardiff.

O’Neill took charge at Blackburn earlier this season on an interim deal to the end of the campaign, alongside his Northern Ireland post. Oxford United have four players in the squad, Portsmouth have Terry Devlin and Albion have Isaac Price.

On Tuesday two Northern Ireland players played 64 minutes, a third came on at that point, and another did not feature. Price was withdrawn at half-time.

After the Wales game O’Neill said he was disappointed no managers or club officials called him directly, and argued that having managed over 100 internationals he has always prioritized player welfare.

He added that he seeks to protect his players and that clubs frequently ask the national staff for references before signing them, yet now their international status is being treated as a problem.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com