Michael O’Neill has announced his backroom team for the upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers including a former Welsh FA analyst and ex-Irish League striker.
Northern Ireland kick-off the new campaign away to San Marino on March 23 followed by a home clash with Finland three days later.
O'Neill has confirmed that Jimmy Nicholl will continue as assistant manager, while Aaron Hughes has been appointed as a senior coach and David Rouse as goalkeeping coach.
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Also joining his backroom team are former Wales football performance analyst Matthew Crawford as well as ex-Cliftonville and Crusaders striker Diarmuid O’Carroll who will act as another senior coach.
O'Carroll - currently part of Stephen Robinson's backroom team at St Mirren - was appointed Northern Ireland Under 19 and 17 manager back in 2021 but later withdrew from the role due to an 'administration error'.
O'Neill said that matter was now "closed" and says he looks forward to working with the ex-Motherwell coach.
“I have watched Diarmuid in action on the training ground and he is a vibrant young coach. I believe he will be a great asset to us," O'Neill said.
“I am aware of the matter regarding Diarmuid’s application to the Under-17/U19 role back in 2021. He and I have spoken about this and Diarmuid recognises the difficult situation which the association was put in at that time.
“However, we both consider the matter closed and we look forward to moving on, starting with the games against San Marino and Finland this month.”
Reflecting on his other appointments, O'Neill said: “Jimmy has been by my side since the 2016 qualification campaign for the Euros in France. He’s a vital source of support and information, not just for me, but for all the staff.
“Aaron brings great experience as a player and a level of professionalism which will be particularly invaluable to the younger players in the squad.
“Having someone who has represented their country as many times as he did can only be a positive thing to have around the squad.”
O'Neill has previously worked closely with Rouse during his time at Stoke City, while Crawford has spent the past five years as the main analyst with the Welsh senior men’s team.
“Matthew will bring experience of working at the top level following his time at the Welsh national team. As a Newtownabbey native I know he’s excited about coming home to help the national team,” O'Neill said.
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