Fresh Blackburn Rovers plan for Michael O'Neill emerges - Venky's have readied multi-year contract | OneFootball

Michael O'Neill is currently in charge of Blackburn Rovers until the end of the season

Blackburn Rovers are readying an offer to tie down Michael O’Neill to a long-term contract after just two matches in charge, which would seemingly take him away from the Northern Ireland national team.

The 56-year-old has overseen two victories since taking charge at Ewood Park, boosting the club’s chances of survival in the Championship for another season.

He replaced Valerien Ismael, who was dismissed with the Lancashire outfit at risk of dropping out of the second division just 12 months on from their seventh place finish in the standings.

Rovers secured a 3-1 victory away to QPR in O'Neill's first match as manager, before Yuki Ohashi scored a late stoppage time goal to win 1-0 at home in a Lancashire derby against Preston North End on Friday night.

However, O’Neill also remains in charge of Northern Ireland, who have a FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final in March against Italy, as they seek a place in the USA, Canada and Mexico this summer, even though they are massive underdogs to achieve that.

If they beat Italy, they will play either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina for a place at the tournament in North America, having not qualified for the competition since 1986.

Blackburn Rovers eye long-term contract for Michael O’Neill

According to Alan Nixon, Blackburn are readying a three-year contract for O’Neill off the back of his positive start to life at Ewood Park.

It is understood that the Championship side are keen to keep the 56-year-old beyond this season, and it's also believed that the Northern Ireland FA will be due compensation if O’Neill is open to remaining in charge of the Lancashire outfit.

However, compensation to the football association is not seen as a problem at this time, with the club also beginning the process of appointing a new CEO following Steve Waggott's departure nine months ago.

It has been claimed that Blackburn are set for talks with candidates in India, as the Venky’s look to restructure behind the scenes after a disastrous last 12 months on the pitch.

Rovers have moved up to 20th in the second tier standings with their back-to-back wins, giving them a five point advantage over 22nd place Leicester City.

They have 13 games remaining to avoid the drop, having been in the Championship since their promotion from League One under Tony Mowbray in 2018.

Next up for O’Neill’s side is a midweek clash at home to Bristol City, as they look to maintain this winning run under their new manager.

Michael O’Neill decision surely won't come until the summer - Northern Ireland job is too important

Soccer Football - Championship - Stoke City v Wigan Athletic - bet365 Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent, Britain - November 23, 2019 Stoke City manager Michael O'Neill applauds fans after the match Action Images/Craig Brough EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/play

O’Neill is doing well at Blackburn so far in the early stages, but it has only been two games, and it would be potentially a rash decision to immediately seek a three-year deal.

The club should perhaps be waiting until closer to the end of the season before making a definitive call on whether he is the man to bring the team forward long-term.

And given O'Neill still has to navigate the March international for an important Northern Ireland clash - or potentially two if they get past Italy - there's still some jeopardy associated with the task he's been given.

The appointment of a CEO should also come before any decision is made regarding the manager, as they will be an important figure in the direction of the team in the years to come.