Overview
- Speaking after Tuesday’s 1-1 draw in Cardiff, Michael O’Neill said he was disappointed clubs took conflict-of-interest concerns to the EFL rather than calling him directly.
- In the friendly, West Brom’s Isaac Price played 45 minutes, Oxford’s Ciaron Brown and Jamie Donley each played about an hour, Portsmouth’s Terry Devlin went off late, and Blackburn’s Tom Atcheson came on near the end.
- The EFL confirmed it had been contacted by one or more Championship clubs but said call-ups and team selection sit with FIFA and national associations and that it expects decisions to be taken with integrity.
- BBC Radio Oxford reported Oxford United raised the issue as four of their players were in the Northern Ireland squad before league games resume Friday in a tight relegation fight that includes Blackburn, West Brom, Portsmouth, and Oxford.
- O’Neill reiterated he will not be reckless with player welfare and said his Irish FA contract continues beyond this season, with plans to resume full Northern Ireland duties in June.