Forest target touted for international role

Martin O'Neill should be handed the reigns as the new manager of Northern Ireland - that's the view of Belfast Telegraph reporter Steven Beacom.

Nigel Worthington confirmed on Monday after defeat to Estonia, which ended their chances of qualifying for next summer's European Championships, that he would step down as manager following their final group game against Italy.

And Beacom believes the Irish FA should be making a call to O'Neill, who has been heavily linked with a return to Nottingham Forest as their new manager.

"If it were me, and I don't know if he'd go for it, I'd love to give Martin O'Neill a call," he said.

 

"The Northern Ireland managers job is more attractive than it used to be, so if I were the FA I'd give him a call and if that doesn't work out my next call would be to Jim Magilton and Michael O'Neill.

"I think both them or Martin O'Neill would do a better job than Nigel Worthington. If they're smart they'll make a call to Martin O'Neill, if only just to rule him out."

Forest were reportedly considering O'Neill along with former Barnsley manager Mark Robins.

But they may now be forced to re-access, with Kevin McDonald now reportedly the front-runner.

Paul Ince has ruled himself out of taking over at Forest, while former player Stan Collymore is interested in the role.