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Euro 2016 and Dutch drama – Michael O’Neill’s first spell with Northern Ireland

UK Sport | | | By Sport

Michael O’Neill’s return as Northern Ireland manager will have the Green and White Army dreaming of qualifying for another major tournament.

The 53-year-old ended a 30-year wait when he led them to the last 16 of Euro 2016, the defining achievement of his first spell in charge.

In just over eight years, O’Neill won 36 per cent of his 72 games, the highest winning percentage of any Northern Ireland boss since the great Billy Bingham’s first reign ended in 1971.

Here, the PA news agency looks at his record in charge.

Slow start

Soccer – 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifying – Group F – Northern Ireland v Russia – Windsor Park
Martin Paterson’s goal earned Michael O’Neill’s first win in charge, a 1-0 victory over Russia (Paul Faith/PA)

Run to the Euros

Soccer – UEFA European Championship Qualifying – Group F – Northern Ireland v Greece – Windsor Park
Michael O’Neill was thrown aloft after Northern Ireland’s win over Greece secured qualification for Euro 2016 (Niall Carson/PA)

2016 and all that

Northern Ireland v Ukraine – UEFA Euro 2016 – Group C – Parc Olympique Lyonnais
Gareth McAuley’s goal against Ukraine set Northern Ireland on their way to a first major tournament victory in 34 years (Jonathan Brady/PA)

Heartache

Northern Ireland v Netherlands – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying – Group C – Windsor Park
A 0-0 draw with the Netherlands proved to be O’Neill’s final match before he left for Stoke (Liam McBurney/PA)

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