Northern Ireland Men's Football Team

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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.

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."

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Northern Ireland teenager Kieran Morrison has signed a new contract at Liverpool.

The 19-year-old, who joined the Reds in 2019, impressed during the recent U21s campaign and was nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Season.

Morrison has also made two senior appearances for Arne Slot's side in cup competitions.

The versatile winger captained the U21s for a period of the season and netted 14 goals and registered four assists in PL2.

At international level, he is involved in Michael O'Neill's squad to face Guinea and France in June's international friendlies but is yet to make a senior appearance.

"It's been a massive improvement from last year. That was my goal this year – just to impact myself and PL2 as much as I can," Morrison said.

"I think I've done quite well. As a team, we wanted to get further in the play-offs but we've come a long way as a team, especially with Rob [Page], the new manager, and obviously me becoming captain during it.

"It just shows how much we've come [along] since the beginning of the season. So, I'm really proud of my performances and the team's performances.

"I always set targets and this season I feel like I've accomplished a lot of my targets. So, hopefully next season goes just as well."