Michael O'Neill has said he plans to remain as Northern Ireland manager beyond the summer after his young side's hopes of reaching the World Cup were ended by Italy in Thursday night's qualifying play-off semi-final.O'Neill has been juggling final preparations for this week with his role as Blackburn manager, having surprised many fans when he jumped into a Championship relegation battle only six weeks before a crunch qualifier.The 56-year-old's contract with Rovers runs until the end of the sea

Michael O'Neill has said he plans to remain as Northern Ireland manager beyond the summer after his young side's hopes of reaching the World Cup were ended by Italy in Thursday night's qualifying play-off semi-final.O'Neill has been juggling final preparations for this week with his role as Blackburn manager, having surprised many fans when he jumped into a Championship relegation battle only six weeks before a crunch qualifier.The 56-year-old's contract with Rovers runs until the end of the season, but his decision to take that job was seen as a sign that O'Neill wants to return to club football full-time.