Saga involving Michael O’Neill & Blackburn Rovers takes new twist - Oxford, Portsmouth & West Brom will be interested | OneFootball

Oxford are among the Championship clubs who are concerned by Michael O'Neill's potential conflict of interests at Northern Ireland and Blackburn

Michael O'Neill's continued stint as Northern Ireland boss, while also attempting to steer Blackburn Rovers away from Championship relegation danger, has caused controversy during the current international break.

O'Neill's international break has ultimately been unsuccessful, as Northern Ireland were beaten 2-0 by Italy in their World Cup qualifier in Bergamo last Thursday.

Meanwhile, Blackburn return to Championship action on Good Friday, just three days on from their manager's international side's friendly with Wales.

Rovers are battling West Bromwich Albion, Portsmouth, Leicester City, and Oxford United to avoid the drop to League One.

Oxford United raise concern over Blackburn Rovers boss Michael O'Neill's Northern Ireland decisions

On Monday, Alistair McCann, Ruari McConville, Paddy McNair, and Bailey Peacock-Farrell were all withdrawn from Northern Ireland's squad ahead of the friendly with Wales and have returned to their respective clubs.

Preston North End's McCann missed out on his country's vital clash with Italy, thanks to an ankle problem, but defensive duo McConville and McNair were both fit to play the full 90 minutes.

Intriguingly, the centre-backs play for Norwich City and Hull City, respectively, and both of those Championship clubs will have a say in the relegation battle, despite occupying top-half spots.

Norwich host Portsmouth on Good Friday, whereas Hull face fellow relegation candidates Oxford.

Triumphs for the Canaries and the Tigers against Pompey and Oxford would, of course, bolster Blackburn's survival chances, especially if the Lancashire club beat Birmingham City this Friday.

Meanwhile, as reported by BBC Sport, at least one Championship club have raised concerns over O'Neill's potential conflict of interests, and Oxford are uncomfortable with the situation.

Four U's players, Jamie Donley, Ciaron Brown, Brodie Spencer and Jamie McDonnell all remained in Northern Ireland's squad ahead of Tuesday's clash with Wales.

Those players could be more fatigued than the likes of McConville and McNair heading into Oxford's vital clash with Hull on Friday.

The other Northern Ireland stars who are in the Championship relegation battle and remain in O'Neill's squad are Portsmouth defender Terry Devlin, West Brom attacking midfielder Isaac Price, and Blackburn defender Tom Atcheson.

Even though Rovers man Atcheson has remained in O'Neill's international squad, West Brom may be particularly concerned by Price's continued international involvement, as the Baggies travel to Ewood Park on Easter Monday, in a relegation six-pointer.

Michael O'Neill saga could make EFL reconsider managerial rules

As reported by BBC Sport, the EFL have confirmed that they have been contacted by 'one or more' clubs regarding the Blackburn manager's Northern Ireland selection calls.

However, the Championship, League One, and League Two's governing body have said that the international call-up and release policy is overseen by FIFA, and it is not an issue that can be dealt with by them.

The EFL have added that they expect all selection decisions to be taken with integrity and in a way that does not bring the sport into disrepute.

Despite the governing body's comments, the O'Neill saga is not showing any signs of going away for now, and Oxford will be particularly annoyed if their key players are fatigued over Easter weekend, as a result of international involvement, whereas the likes of McConville and McNair have both returned to their respective Championship clubs.

The fact that Norwich and Hull are facing two of Blackburn's relegation rivals only adds to the controversy.

Ultimately, the EFL may now consider changing the fact that managers of Championship, League One, and League Two clubs are currently also allowed to be in charge of international teams.