Exclusive: National team line up approach to appoint Motherwell boss
Northern Ireland are set to step up their pursuit of Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson as a replacement for Michael O’Neill, Football Insider understands.
The 50-year-old could see his time in charge of the national side come to an end after this month’s Euro 2020 play-off semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina, having also taken charge of Stoke City in November.
A source at the Northern Ireland FA has told Football Insider that they are finalising plans to secure a replacement and that they are set to make an approach for Robinson.
The 45-year-old has been among the front runners for the position ever since O’Neill decided to join Stoke and the IFA are ready to make their move.
Robinson, who is in his third season in charge of Motherwell, is highly regarded in coaching circles for the impressive job he has done so far at Fir Park.
He has transformed the club’s fortunes since taking over in March 2017, taking them to two cup finals in his first season in charge.
The Premiership outfit finished eighth during the 2018/19 campaign but currently sit third in the table, one point ahead of Aberdeen and behind only Rangers and Celtic.
Mortherwell are reluctant to lose Robinson, but they are bracing themselves for an approach from the IFA over the coming weeks.
Northern Ireland face Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home at the end of the month, the winner progressing to the play-off final for a place at Euro 2020.
In other Scottish Premiership news, it can be revealed a 2019 Celtic signing is set for crunch talks at Parkhead over his future.