Martin O’Neill signs contract extension to 2020

Republic of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill has confirmed that he has agreed a new contract with the FAI, which will extend his tenure as manager until the European Championships in 2020.

O’Neill hinted earlier at Thursday afternoon’s press conference that there was a “willingness” to stay in the job beyond next summer’s World Cup, and the Derry man confirmed that he has agreed to extend his contract.

Speaking to FAI TV, O’Neill said that his initial doubts about international football have been banished following a successful first term in charge, which led the Ireland team to Euro 2016 last summer.

And O’Neill also admitted that he believes that the future of Irish football is bright with several new players breaking into the senior squad, and he is excited about the future.

“I spoke to John [Delaney] very recently and he said, on behalf of the board, they would like to extend my contract for another couple of years, obviously with the Euros coming up, and I have agreed to do so.

“I’m delighted, I have enjoyed it immensely.

“International football is something that I did not know if it was something I would get used to or not, but obviously, qualification for the Euros [in 2016] made it all worthwhile and while we’re still in this competition also.

“But also, the future, with some younger players coming through, taking over from the old guard who will retire naturally, through old age as much as anything else, I think that it there is exciting times for us.”

There was no mention about the make-up of O’Neill’s backroom team and it remains to be seen whether his assistant manager Roy Keane will remain part of the set-up.

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