Michael O'Neill expected to be named Blackburn Rovers boss

Michael O'Neill is expected to be confirmed as Blackburn Rovers manager later today (Friday).

The Northern Ireland manager is the Championship club's preferred choice to succeed Valerien Ismael who left the manager's role earlier this month.

It is reported that the former Coleraine midfielder could take over initially on a joint role until the end of the season.

Northern Ireland face Italy in a World Cup play-off semi-final in March and then either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in a final or friendly, depending on the result in Bergamo.

O'Neill is expected to be involved for both matches and the World Cup finals, should Northern Ireland qualify against the odds.

He could then take over as manager at Ewood Park on a permanent basis.

More on this story to follow.