Robinson is perfect for Northern Ireland says ex-Rangers defender McAuley
GARETH McAULEY reckons the Northern Irish FA would be fools not to bring in Stephen Robinson as their new manager.
The Motherwell gaffer is a man in demand due to his work with the Fir Park side over the past two-and-a-half years.
Northern Ireland are on the lookout for a boss after Michael O’Neill returned to club management with Stoke.
But they face a battle with Hearts who are also keen to bring the 44-year-old to Tynecastle to replace Craig Levein.
Former Rangers and Northern Irish defender McAuley believes Robinson is the perfect candidate and he has urged the Irish FA to nip in ahead of the Jambos to land their man.
He said: “There has been a few names banded about for the job, but for me, the one for it is Stephen Robinson.
“It would keep the continuity going. He knows the players who are coming through as he worked with them at younger age groups and he knows the senior players too.
“He worked with Michael at the Euros in 2016 and the lads all have great respect for him.
“I think it would be foolish if they didn’t at least approach him and make contact, even if they feel Michael should carry on.
“The work he is doing at Motherwell is being noticed and it wouldn’t surprise me if another club comes in for him and Northern Ireland lose out on the perfect person to take over.
“Robbo knows what is in the pipeline. A few of the senior players like Steve Davis and Jonny Evans are the wrong side of 30.
“I think Robbo would be able to bring the next generation through and hopefully keep the momentum going.”
O’Neill has stated he will lead his country through the play-offs for next summer’s Euros should they make it.
But McAuley doesn’t believe the former Aberdeen and Hibs midfielder will be able to combine the two jobs when the time comes.
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He added: “Michael’s personality came across to the boys very well. What he has is the detail and preparation and how he gets it across.
“He makes players believe in what he is saying. That is going to be a big thing for Stoke this season.
“He has belief it will work and once we seen it was working for Northern Ireland, after we struggled at the start, we really managed to kick on.
“Personally I think it would be difficult for him to do two jobs at the same time if we qualify for the Euros.
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“I have seen Michael say he will take the play-off games if we get there.
“For me the amount of work he puts into it, juggling the two things would be difficult.
“The Championship games come thick and fast as he is about to find out. I think it would leave him open for criticism on both levels if things don’t go right.
“He feels he has unfinished business with the timing of it. It is a difficult one for him to let go.”