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[jaybee1978]

The field for the vacant Northern Ireland job has been narrowed to three, with Jim Magilton, Michael O'Neill and Iain Dowie to have IFA interviews.

Magilton and Dowie will have their interviews on Wednesday while Shamrock Rovers boss O'Neill will have to wait until early next week.

Gerry Armstrong and Dave Jones have not been contacted by the IFA in relation to a possible interview.

Lawrie Sanchez revealed on Monday that he did not apply for the post.

Magilton, Dowie and O'Neill are all former Northern Ireland internationals.

O'Neill is quitting Shamrock Rovers with Thursday's final Europa League clash with Tottenham to be his last game in charge.

The 42-year-old told his players that contract negotiations with Shamrock officials had broken down.

Former Ipswich manager Magilton is O'Neill's assistant at the League of Ireland club.

Dowie has managed a number of clubs including Crystal Palace, Queen's Park Rangers and Hull City.

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers turned down the chance to manage Northern Ireland on a part-time basis.

The new manager looks certain to be in place for the friendly against Norway at Windsor Park in February.

Taken from BBC sport

[jaybee1978]

Michael O'Neill has emerged as the Irish Football Association's preferred candidate to become the new Northern Ireland manager, BBC Sport understands.
The appointment of O'Neill could be confirmed next week, subject to personal terms and details of his backroom staff being agreed.
The 42-year-old was capped 33 times for his country, scoring seven goals.
O'Neill was one of three candidates interviewed by the IFA, along with Jim Magilton and Iain Dowie.
Michael O'Neill factfile
Continue reading the main story

• O'Neill started his career with Irish League club Coleraine
  
• The midfielder moved to Newcastle United in 1987 and made 48 appearances for the Magpies
  
• O'Neill played for 13 clubs including Dundee United, Hibs and Portland Timbers
  
• O'Neill was appointed manager of Shamrock Rovers in 2009 after two years as Brechin City boss

The former Newcastle United player won back-to-back league titles as manager of Shamrock Rovers and the part-time Dublin outfit also became the first League of Ireland club to qualify for the group stages of a European competition, after a Europa League play-off win over Partizan Belgrade.
He was unable to agree terms to continue as manager and stepped down after last week's defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.
O'Neill has ruled out the possibility of co-managing the national team with Magilton, who was his assistant at the League of Ireland club.
He may, however, consider Magilton for the role of his assistant with the Northern Ireland set-up.
O'Neill also formerly managed Brechin City.