DOMESTIC BLISS BUT O'NEILL GIVES IT A MISS

Northern Ireland boss admits return to League of Ireland will not further some players' international claims

- GARETH FULLERTON

MICHAEL O'NEILL admits moving to the League of Ireland “doesn't strengthen the case” of players like Liam Boyce and Gavin Whyte returning to the Northern Ireland fold anytime soon.

The pair joined Shane Ferguson in moving to Derry City in January following spells across the water.

Boyce was recently with Hearts in the Scottish Premiership, while Whyte had been without a club since leaving Portsmouth last summer.

Former Crusaders winger Whyte last featured for Northern Ireland in the 2024 European qualifiers two years ago, while Boyce won the last of his 28 caps in 2021.

Ferguson's last international involvement was in May 2023.

O'Neill says he will continue monitoring the domestic leagues but says there are other players “playing at a higher level” right now.

The manager said: “I don't think it strengthens their case, if I am being honest. I have to be honest.