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McKinlay takes NI role

Image: Billy McKinlay: New Northern Ireland assistant manager

Fulham first-team coach Billy McKinlay has been appointed as the new Northern Ireland assistant manager to work with Michael O'Neill.

Craven Cottage coach appointed as O'Neill's assistant

Fulham first-team coach Billy McKinlay has been appointed as the new Northern Ireland assistant manager to work alongside Michael O'Neill. McKinlay will continue in his role at Craven Cottage before joining the national squad during international breaks. The 42-year-old joined Fulham in 2004 and began his coaching career while still making two appearances for the club before retiring at the end of the season. Having started at the club as academy coach, McKinlay worked his way to first-team assistant manager and is delighted to have been offered the contract by the Irish Football Association.

Honoured

"I am honoured to accept the assistant manager's position with Northern Ireland," he told his club's official website. "I have known Michael O'Neill for over 20 years since our days at Dundee United together and it will be great to work alongside him. "I am excited by this opportunity to work with the squad as there are a lot of talented players from Northern Ireland and I am looking forward to our first game against Norway." The Irish Football Association later confirmed that former Shamrock coach and current St Johnstone assistant manager Tommy Wright has been appointed as O'Neill's goalkeeping coach. The former Northern Ireland goalkeeper has, like McKinlay, taken up his role on a part-time basis and will spend most of the season with the Scottish Premier League club. O'Neill was named Nigel Worthington's successor as Northern Ireland manager in December but only officially took to office last week.

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