Comment From Sparky
Hi Michael - are you happy to have Aaron Hughes back?
Delighted to have aaron back. everyone knows what a positive influence he is on and off the field. his experience and level of performance will be invaluable to us in the qualifying campaign
Comment From Paul
Hi Michael, Congratulations on your appointment. Just wanted to ask about two players who have not been named today - Michael O'Connor and Daniel Lafferty - do you see a role for them in future games?
Both players will have a role to play in future games. Michael is on stand by for this game and we have had him watched in recent weeks. Daniel is also on stand by and is adjusting to life at a new club and new surroundings. they will continue to be monitored at club level with a view to inclusion at senior international level
Comment From Ross
Does the omission of Roy Carroll, from the 24-man squad, indicate that he is not in your plans for the future?
I have had discussions with Roy and he has confirmed that he wished to be considered for the full international squad again. Unfortunately his club commitments with Olympiakos mean that he would be unable to join the squad until late monday evening. we both agreed given that he has just moved to Olympiakos that he should concentrate on his club commitments in the short term. he will definately come into consideration for the next squad
Comment From Kopite
What will it mean to you to manage your country for the first time next week?
Honoured - simple
Comment From Benji
What was your favourite goal for NI?
2nd goal against Austria in the 5-3 victory in the Euro 1996 campaign
Comment From ConnorCrues
Hi and good luck with the job at hand Michael! Interested as an Irish League fan whether or not you will be going to IL games to scout players (im aware you were at the IBLeagueCup) from the local league or are you interested in Professional teams only?
I will spend the majority of my time watching players in the UK who are in full time football. i will continue to monitor players in the irish league and league of ireland who can be selected for NI. We have to work hard to try to give these players the opportunity to play in full time football which makes the transition to full time international football more straightforward.
Comment From Guest
Michael, have you talked to Rory Donnelly yet about his international intentions and is he in your future plans?
Rory was named in the u21 squad for the game against macedonia on 29th Feb. Unfortunately that game has been postponed due to weather conditions in macedonia. Rory will be continued to be monitored at Swansea City and i have had discussions with Brendan Rodgers on Rory's progress. he is a player i would like to see progress at club and international level in the immediate future
Comment From Adam Carr
Hello Michael, are you aware of Striker Robert Cullen playing for VVV-Venlo In the Dutch Eredivisie with Northern Irish Parents ?
Yes, and an approach to his club has been made for further information. I intend to watch this player personally or have someone watch him in the near future.
Comment From peter hay
Will Andy Little be in your future plans?
Although not selected for the squad, Andy will continue to be monitored with the rest of the players. He is in a difficult situation at present with his club and once his club situation is sorted out it will be better for him and NI.
Comment From Ryan
What do you think of our World Cup Group?
There is no doubt we have been drawn in an extremely difficult group with Russia and Portugal obviously 2 very strong nations. Israel will also be a difficult tie and azerbaijan and luxembourg will also provide stiff tests. it is a group were we have everything to gain and my aim is to ensure we are as competitive as possible.
Comment From Michael M
It is fantastic to see yourself making such effort to interact with us fans, of course this has been a great way to introduce yourself and answer some questions from us. My question is will you continue in the future to be so accessible to fans? It is great for people to get involved and feel more a part of the scene here. We are all fully behind you and good luck for the future
Interaction with the fans is of utmost importance for me. Not only am i answering questions today, but i will be meet fans this wed at the Ramada hotel in a 'meet the manager' event organised by the Irish FA - over 130 fans have already registered. I also plan to meet fans representatives to see how we can build on our fantastic support - the GAWA is without doubt our 12th man!
Comment From Davy
How can we get the feel good factor back to windsor?
Fans respond to a committed hard working team and this in turn will lead to a positive atmosphere in the stadium. The fans should never underestimate the effect this can have on the level of performance that the team can reach. We need everyone to be together and creating a positive mind set on and off the field for all internationals
Comment From Johnny
What are your plans for the NI youth set-up?
Having just been in the job since Feb 1, my focus to date has been on the senior squad and the game against norway. I intend to review all structures at under-age level and seek to aid improvement in these areas. Our under age structures are the pathway for younger players to achieve their dreams and become full international players. We must strive as an Association to make this possible for our youth players.
Comment From Gordon from Bangor
Whats the best ground you have played at?
The Old Wembley
Comment From Guest
Can we expect any surprise call-ups to future squads? For example, Adam Hamill, Liam Feeney etc.
In the short time i have been in the job, i have actively tried to deepen the player pool available for selection by trying to find players who are eligible for NI. This will continue throughout my reign as it will allow our younger players time to develop and not be rushed into full international football.
Comment From RickSkyBlue
There is a lot of hype about NI U19 player Ryan McLaughlin who has been making tremendous progress at Liverpool. Will he be involved in the full squad in the near future?
Ryan is a player that i know is doing extremely well at his club. He was selected for the u21 squad but this game has unfortunately been postponed. i would like to think that Ryan can continue his progression at club level and be in my thoughts sooner rather than later.
