O’Neill longs for action

Martin O’Neill has admitted he “won’t feel part of” the Ireland manager’s job until the Euro 2016 draw is made on February 23.

The Derryman, speaking at the Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland (SWAI) awards last night, said the gap in matches between November and March was an “awkward time”.

O’Neill, acclimatising to his first job away from club management, added: “I thought the new experience of watching club matches for so long in the stand would be strange and it’s proved right.”