O'Neill appointed Northern Ireland manager

Dec 28, 2011, 16:25 GMT

London - Northern Ireland Wednesday appointed former international Michael O'Neill as manager.

O'Neill, who guided Shamrock Rovers into the Europa League this season, will take over on February 1, the Irish FA said.

'I am honoured to be chosen to manage my country. I am a proud Northern Irishman who was fortunate enough to win 33 senior caps and it was always an ambition to manage my country,' O'Neill said in a statement through the Irish FA website.

The 42-year-old former Northern Ireland international midfielder has an initial two-year contract and is tasked with leading Northern Ireland into the World Cup finals in 2014 for the first time since 1986.

His predecessor Nigel Worthington announced his resignation on the eve of the final Euro 2012 qualifier against Italy in October after a campaign which ended with a disappointing fifth place in their group.

O'Neill, whose playing career included spells at Newcastle United, Wigan Athletic, Dundee United and Hibernian, said: 'To be entrusted with the role early in my managerial career is quite humbling but I am confident that we can make progress.

'Northern Ireland has a strong football tradition but one that needs to be refreshed with some more contemporary success.

'That is my primary objective - to restore a sense of belief and pride in what it means to represent Northern Ireland so that our players will want only to play for their country. That is how it should be.

'There is a huge amount of work to be done but with the right direction and the necessary passion good progress can be made.'

Northern Ireland have been drawn with Portugal, Russia, Israel, Azerbaijan and Luxembourg in their World Cup qualifying group. O'Neill's reign will start with a friendly at Windsor Park against Norway on February 29.