Michael O'Neill hits back at rivals over dual role, insists he puts players first | OneFootball

Blackburn interim boss Michael O'Neill has criticised rival clubs after concerns were lodged with the EFL about his dual role with Northern Ireland.

O'Neill is leading Blackburn until the end of the season while continuing as Northern Ireland manager. BBC Oxford reported that Oxford United were among those to contact the EFL.

The row centres on a perceived conflict during the international break, with Northern Ireland selecting players from teams battling Blackburn for Championship survival. Oxford have four in the squad, Portsmouth have Terry Devlin and Albion have Isaac Price. The EFL had been contacted by one or more clubs and did not treat it as their issue to handle.

Attention focused on minutes played, particularly in Tuesday’s friendly against Wales in Cardiff. Two players featured for 64 minutes, another came on at that point and one did not play. Price was withdrawn at half-time, and there is no indication Albion were among the clubs to complain.

After the match O'Neill said he was disappointed not to receive a call from any manager or anyone at the clubs, stressing he has always put the players first and seeks to protect them. He argued clubs regularly ask his staff for references when recruiting, and that those players were internationals when they signed, so it was frustrating to see it become an issue.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com