Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill is close to agreeing a new contract with the Irish Football Association. O'Neill's original two-year deal expires at the end of December and, although he has won just one of his 14 matches at the helm, he has the support of key officials at Windsor Avenue. Talks have been ongoing for a number of weeks and though nothing has yet been signed, it is understood that both parties are keen to finalise terms for another two years.
O'Neill (above), who managed Shamrock rovers before taking over from Nigel Worthington, has had an up and down stint in charge of the national side with a memorable win over Fabio Capello's Russia and a brave draw away to Portugal tempered by defeats in Azerbaijan and Luxembourg. Northern Ireland finished fifth in their World Cup qualifying group with seven points. O'Neill has a chance to add a second win to his CV on November 15 when his side travel to turkey for a friendly. He announces his squad today.