Blackburn Rovers are closing in on their next manager, with Valerien Ismael expected to be replaced following his mutually agreed-upon departure on transfer deadline day.

Alan Nixon said on Wednesday afternoon that the Lancashire club was interested in bringing former Stoke City manager Michael O’Neill to Ewood Park as the Frenchman’s replacement, despite his current commitments with the Northern Ireland national side.

The 56-year-old is now the head coach of the Green and White Army, and he has been given the position at Rovers on the condition that he is free to continue working with his country while preparing for a World Cup qualifier against Italy in March.

Following failed talks with former Derby County manager Gary Rowett, attention has switched to O’Neill, who is now expected to watch Blackburn for the first time as their new manager.

Michael O’Neill could be in the stands as Blackburn Rovers go to QPR.

Rovers will travel to Loftus Road this weekend, hoping to climb out of the Championship’s bottom three with a win over Julien Stephan’s QPR team.

Damien Johnson will most likely oversee events from the dugout, as he has done in the club’s last three games. However, O’Neill could be in the stands in West London on Saturday as he prepares for the Nations League match against Northern Ireland.

According to Alan Nixon, Blackburn are ready to submit a proposal to their probable next manager, and an agreement will be reached with the Northern Irish FA to help prepare how the 56-year-old can function in both jobs.

It is possible that O’Neill may oversee training on Friday, although this is unlikely, and he may have to wait until next week to receive his first real look at his new squad.

Michael O’Neill’s first game as manager might be a Lancashire derby.

While Blackburn will not be able to face their traditional East Lancashire rivals Burnley in the league this season, they will have the opportunity to participate in another county-based rivalry next Friday when Preston North End visits Ewood Park.

This might be O’Neill’s first game in command of Rovers, and if he can secure a much-needed victory, he will instantly win over the supporters.

The BB2 crowd struggled to connect with Valerien Ismael because he failed to maintain the form that John Eustace had brought to the side in the months leading up to his move to Derby.

O’Neill did not have much success with Stoke in his only previous Championship appearance, but he has established his worth with Northern Ireland in recent years and might be the guy to maintain Blackburn in the second tier.