Football: Shiels doesn't rule himself out of NI Men's job

Ahead of tonight's friendly clash with Italy at Seaview, Northern Ireland Women's Manager Kenny Shiels wouldn't rule himself out of the running for the Senior Men's job.

Speaking yesterday, Shiels says he's 'employed by the IFA and when they say jump, I say, how high?'

Shiels was interviewed for the role before Ian Baraclough was appointed in 2020. With Baraclough leaving the position recently, speculation is rife that former boss Michael O'Neill is the frontrunner for the position.

But Shiels - while admitting he was very content with where he is at present - said he would love to manage the men.

"I work for the Irish Football Association and if they say 'jump', I say 'how high?' because that's my employer. If they ask me to manager the Northern Ireland Under-14s, even though there is no team, and they give me an accountable reason for managing the Under-14s, then certainly I would love to do that because I'm representing my country and I'm working for our home of football," Shiels said.

"I would love to manage the Northern Ireland Under-21s, the Northern Ireland Senior Men. But also, I wouldn't lose any sleep if they said to me, 'Kenny, we want you to go and manage the Northern Ireland Under-19s. I'm conent with where I'm at and how we're progressing."

Italy come to Belfast tonight ranked 14th in the world compared to Northern Ireland's 49th and feature players from both Milan clubs and Juventus amongst others.

In what will be Northern Ireland's first home game since the Euros and their final game of 2022, Shiels says he's pleased with the last 12 months and matches like tonight's will help th side to grow and improve.

"It's been a memorable year where players have had new experiences and positive experiences. Over that year, it's been fantastic and I would like to finish with with some happiness," he said

"It's a very tough game for us, but like we always do, we'll give our best."