O'Neill's new contract 'marvellous news' - Magilton
· Yahoo Sports
Former Northern Ireland midfielder Jim Magilton said manager Michael O'Neill's decision to sign a contract extension "gives everyone the opportunity to really focus and try to qualify for a major tournament".
It was announced on Wednesday that O'Neill had signed a new four-year contract extension at NI to keep him at the helm until 2032.
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O'Neill, who has been NI manager for 11 years over two spells, was appointed interim Blackburn Rovers boss in February and had been combining this role with his position at Northern Ireland.
Despite being offered the full-time position, it was announced earlier in the month that he would not be taking on the Blackburn job on a permanent basis and would continue in his position at NI.
"It's marvellous news for Michael and Northern Ireland supporters," Magilton told BBC Sport NI.
"That consistency gives everyone the opportunity to really focus and try to qualify for a major tournament.
"For younger players coming through, to know the manager is around and the opportunity will exist because he has shown that he will give youth a chance. There are lots of good young players coming through."
The 56-year-old won five, drew five and lost five of his 15 games in interim charge as Blackburn finished 20th in the Championship and avoided relegation by five points.
Magilton added that he was "surprised" that the second-tier club didn't interest O'Neill longer term.
"I am surprised that it didn't go further," he replied when asked if he thought that O'Neill would make the switch to Blackburn permanently.
"When you go into the Championship club, especially at that time when it was all risk, I was surprised there was not further conversations for Michael to stay in that role.
"It is excellent news, that level of cohesion and consistency."