O'Neill relishing NI challenge
New boss targets Northern Ireland success
Last Updated: January 4, 2012 2:57pm
Michael O'Neill: Is hoping to help Northern Ireland improve during his tenure
Northern Ireland's new manager Michael O'Neill is relishing the challenge of improving the fortunes of his side.
O'Neill will begin work in February after getting the job ahead of Jim Magilton and Iain Dowie, following his switch from Shamrock Rovers.
The 42-year-old admits there is plenty of work ahead of him but is looking forward to the task in hand.
He said: "I was up against two very good candidates and close friends but I was pleased with how the interview went and I was delighted when I was offered the job.
"It was a pleasant surprise but one I'm ready to take on at this stage in my career.
"When the vacancy was going to come up I suppose I was in the last few months of my contract at Shamrock Rovers.
"I felt if the opportunity came up and the job was available and I was fortunate enough to be offered it the time was right for me to take that chance."
O'Neill inherits a side that failed to live up to modest expectations in their last campaign, which saw them finish fifth in their Euro 2012 qualifying group, ahead of only the Faroe Islands.
He added: "There are many things I'll have to deal with and problems to solve but I believe I have the experience and belief to do it.
"The process will take time and it's about making small steps first - that can lead to progress for the national team and football in Northern Ireland in general."
