Martin O'Neill open to Republic of Ireland contract extension ahead of Bosnia playoff

MARTIN O'NEILL has admitted he would be open to extending his contract as Republic of Ireland manager.

 

The 63-year-old, preparing for Friday night's playoff first leg away to Bosnia-Herzegovina, is understood to have been offered an extension to the two-year deal he signed in November 2013 regardless of whether he steers the nation to the Euro 2016 finals.

O'Neill has confirmed the Football Association of Ireland want him to stay, and that he is happy to discuss his long-term plans with chief executive John Delaney.

He said: "Absolutely, I am open to it. We had a conversation after Scotland and John was very supportive, felt as if this is the way we want to go forward, and that was very pleasing to hear.

 

"If we could qualify, that would be great and we would go on to France - I would be delighted to do that if that's the case. But if we didn't qualify, John and myself will sit down and see where we go. I think John and the board would want it to continue and I have enjoyed it immensely."

Shane Long has been ruled out of the first leg with a foot problem but the Southampton striker might be available for the second leg.

Meanwhile, Chris Coleman hopes Aaron Ramsey's Wales career will not follow the same path as Ryan Giggs.

 

Republic of Ireland secured a famous victory over world champions Germany

 

Martin O'Neill is on the brink of taking Ireland to Euro 2016

Dragons boss Coleman has been embroiled in a furious public row with Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger over Ramsey's hamstring injury and workload with Wales. Ramsey will miss tomorrow's friendly against Holland.

Manchester United legend Giggs, who won 64 caps for his country, but only 10 of those came in friendlies.

He said: "We're in a different era now. When players come on international duty with Wales their clubs know how that player is physically and mentally.

"It's not like we never get Rambo for friendly games at the moment, this has been a completely different situation and an avoidable one really. It shouldn't be a problem in the future."