Slovakia v Northern Ireland: Magennis highlights ‘courage and sportsmanship’ in NI

O’Neill is in his second spell as NI boss, having taken the reins back in December 2022 following a spell in football as Stoke City boss.

Maginnis highlights some of the traits he believes his international manager possesses.

“First of all, he’s obviously very smart tactically.

“He knows the game of football inside out, and he brings the right people in to the right positions in terms of his staff, so no one is here for that. Everyone has a role and a responsibility.

“He’s a big believer that you should be able to run around on the football field. If you don’t run, you’ll never play on his football team, no matter how good you are on the ball.”

“He has always been able to push players and play a formation that will bring the best out of that particular player. It’s not about getting the best players on the pitch. It’s about getting the best out of that formation for his team.”

Human management is another positive quality, according to the striker.

“He always manages to get the best out of players to their strengths, and that has been proven by the likes of Isaac Price, Ethan Galbraith, Pierce Charles, Shea Charles, Trae Hume, Dan Ballard, all that wide range of players.

“Some of them have played for Northern Ireland before they play for their clubs and he always has that talent, he gives you that confidence and that belief.

“It’s just about expressing yourself, so you can play with that freedom. You’re not playing under pressure.”