What Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann has said on Northern Ireland job amid impending vacancy
Grant McCann's name is tentatively being linked with the Northern Ireland manager's job if, as is expected, Michael O'Neill leaves the role.
O'Neill is in his second spell in charge of the national side but late last season he joined Blackburn Rovers on a short-term basis. After successfully steering them away from relegation danger in the Championship, O'Neill is widely tipped to join them full-time. That would mean calling time on his latest stint in charge of Northern Ireland. To that end, a host of names have been linked already with replacing him, including former NI internationals such as Stephen Robinson, David Healy and Neil Lennon.
Doncaster Rovers chief McCann, who won 39 caps in an international career that spanned 11 years, is another name some have suggested.
But would that be something the 46-year-old would be interested in, given his constant comments over striving to guide Rovers back to the second tier of English football?
Well, the topic was broached recently on Rovers' 'A Coffee With...' series where McCann spoke on a number of subjects in-depth. He was asked directly if he would ever fancy the top job with NI.
"Yes, definitely. I'd love to manage my country. I really would," he replied.
"I think it's the pinnacle of any sort of sport. To manage your country is everything. Northern Ireland have been fortunate they have a really good manager in place at this moment in time in Michael.
"But never say never. I'd love to if they'd have me. I think they have some top, top players coming through in the under-21s and the first team. They're a young up-and-coming team that can do big things in the next few years, I believe.
"I'd love to but it's not as easy as that. I'd love to go and give it a go some day and try and be successful just like Michael's done."