Northern Ireland confirms Michael O'Neill's 4-year extension
Michael O'Neill officially extended his Northern Ireland contract until 2024 on Friday.
The 48-year-old's reign has encompassed a thrilling run into the last-16 at Euro 2016, and a narrow miss on qualification for the 2018 World Cup following a controversial penalty decision in Norn Iron's play-off against Switzerland.
O'Neill, a former midfielder who represented Hibernian and Wigan Athletic, stepped into the Northern Ireland post in 2011 after proving his skills in charge of Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers. He was handed the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Coach award in 2015.
"I am extremely proud to manage my country and I am pleased to be extending my time in charge of the senior team," O'Neill said in the announcement. "In recent months I have been approached about taking other opportunities in football. However, no other challenge attracted me as much as taking Northern Ireland back to a major tournament."
O'Neill publicly turned down an approach from the Scottish FA to oversee its national team in January, and that post is still unmanned. Veteran manager Walter Smith has ruled himself out of returning to the job over a decade since he stepped down, according to BBC Scotland's Chris McLaughlin.
Northern Ireland faces South Korea at Windsor Park on March 24.