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Leeds United ace Stuart Dallas gets his way as Northern Ireland set to re-hire Michael O'Neill
The Belfast Telegraph are reporting that Michael O’Neill is set to rejoin Northern Ireland – news that will delight Leeds United star Stuart Dallas.
O’Neill spent nine years in charge of Northern Ireland, but departed in 2020 to focus on his job at Stoke City amid the Covid-19 outbreak.
But the 53-year-old is set to be reappointed as Northern Ireland manager later this week as he sets about on a second stint with the nation.
During his first spell as manager, O’Neill took Northern Ireland to their first tournament in three decades in the 2016 Euros, while they also came within touching distance of making the 2018 World Cup before narrowly missing out to Switzerland in the play-offs.
O’Neill has become an adored figure in Northern Ireland for his achievements during his nine years in charge of the nation, and Dallas has been outspoken about wanting him back in charge.
The Leeds United star told the Belfast Telegraph in October that he’d welcome O’Neill back to the international scene, with his Northern Ireland teammates reportedly feeling the same way.
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Dallas will be delighted at the news coming out of Northern Ireland. His best memories in a light green shirt will be under O’Neill, and he’ll hope for some more experiences in international tournaments before wrapping up his career.
But while Dallas is excited for the comeback of O’Neill, the 31-year-old is approaching an exciting comeback of his own.
After playing a huge part in Leeds United’s remarkable ninth-placed finish in 2020/21, Dallas suffered a leg fracture back in April during a 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.
Dallas watched from the sidelines as Jesse Marsch spearheaded a survival push late last season, and he’s now eyeing up a comeback in the New Year.
Leeds jetted off to Spain this week for a training camp ahead of the Premier League’s return, and Dallas has joined the squad and undergone some very light training sessions. [Leeds Live]
Marsch will take his time reintroducing Dallas to the fold at Elland Road, but it seems the Leeds star could be back among the action in just a few weeks’ time.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites will pocket a minimum of £113.3m if relegation is avoided this season