Michael O'Neill targets Euro 2020 with Northern Ireland

By Rory O'Callaghan

Image: Michael O'Neill wants to take Northern Ireland to Euro 2020

Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has revealed he has not spoken to any other national sides and has plans to take his current team to Euro 2020.

The Scottish FA was granted permission to speak to O'Neill after parting company with former manager Gordon Strachan after their failed bid to reach the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

However, O'Neill distanced himself from the Scotland job in November and remains in discussions with the Irish FA over a potential six-year contract extension which would see him remain with the national side until 2024.

"I hope to get the team to another European Championships - it's not a job I'm going to leave easily," O'Neill, who has also been linked with the vacant managerial role with the United States, told the BBC.

"There's been a lot of speculation but I've still two years left on my contract.

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"People are always assuming that I'm going to make a decision to leave the position but I've never said that.

Image: O'Neill has been linked with the vacant Scotland job

"I know the Scottish FA has indicated they would like to speak with me but there's been nothing more than that."

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O'Neill has attracted attention after guiding Northern Ireland to the last-16 at Euro 2016 before reaching the play-off stage of the European qualification for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

The 48-year-old says he will hold further talks with the Irish FA after Christmas to confirm his future.

"After Christmas we can discuss things in more detail but at the minute I'm doing the thing I've done for the last six years and that's continuing my role as Northern Ireland manager," he said.

"This is a job which is very important to me - I've worked very hard at it."

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