A number of Championship clubs have reportedly raised concerns regarding Michael O’Neill’s dual managerial role, overseeing both Northern Ireland and Blackburn Rovers.
The clubs contacted the league ahead of Northern Ireland’s friendly against Wales on Tuesday night, citing a potential conflict of interest. Their apprehension stems from the possibility that O’Neill could select players from rival teams who are also embroiled in the same Championship relegation battle as Blackburn.
BBC Radio Oxford has indicated that Oxford United, who have four players – Jamie Donley, Ciaron Brown, Jamie McDonnell, and Brodie Spencer – included in O’Neill’s 22-man squad for the upcoming match, are among those to have formally raised the issue.
O’Neill said he was “a little bit disappointed” to learn this, saying: “These clubs ask for references on players. They ask for character references, level of performance, from us and our staff when they want to sign these players.
“They were international players when they signed them. Now suddenly it becomes a bit of an issue that they’re international players.
“If you look at the players in question, you know Isaac played 45 minutes tonight, Ciaron played 60, Jamie played 60 and young Jamie McDonnell didn’t play at all. Terry played a little bit more but he didn’t finish both games.
“I’ll always try to protect the players. I don’t want the players coming here and it affecting their club situation.
“So I was a little bit disappointed with that because I didn’t get a phone call from any of the managers. I didn’t get a phone call from anyone from their respective clubs.
“So they felt that, and whatever they decided to do or what avenue they took to raise their concerns, it’s disappointing given that I’ve managed over 100 international games and I’ve always put the players first.”
Blackburn currently sit 19th in the Championship table, four points clear of Oxford, who are positioned 23rd.
The next round of Championship fixtures is scheduled for Friday.
Portsmouth defender Terry Devlin and West Brom forward Isaac Price are also in O’Neill’s squad, with Portsmouth one point above the drop zone and West Brom four clear.
Uncapped teenager Tom Atcheson is the sole Blackburn player in O’Neill’s Northern Ireland squad.
The EFL has indicated that international selection is a matter for FIFA and not within their jurisdiction.
The league would expect all selection decisions to be taken with integrity and in a way that does not bring the game into disrepute.
O’Neill has faced a number of questions following his decision to take the Blackburn job six weeks ago, and on Monday said he was “fed up” of being asked about his future given speculation that he could move back into club football full time.
The Irish Football Association declined to comment.
