Blackburn Rovers are preparing an offer to sign Michael O’Neill to a long-term deal after only two games in command, which would appear to take him away from Northern Ireland’s national team.

The 56-year-old has overseen two victories since taking over at Ewood Park, increasing the club’s hopes of remaining in the Championship for another season.

He took over for Valerien Ismael, who was fired with the Lancashire club on the verge of relegation after finishing seventh in the standings a year earlier.

Rovers won 3-1 away to QPR in O’Neill’s debut match as manager, before Yuki Ohashi struck in stoppage time to win 1-0 at home against Preston North End on Friday night.

However, O’Neill is still in command of Northern Ireland, which has a FIFA World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy in March as they seek a place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico this summer, despite being huge underdogs.

If they defeat Italy, they will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot in the North American tournament, for which they have not qualified since 1986.

Blackburn Rovers are considering a long-term contract for Michael O’Neill.

According to Alan Nixon, Blackburn are preparing to offer O’Neill a three-year deal following his strong start at Ewood Park.

It is known that the Championship club wants to keep the 56-year-old beyond this season, and that the Northern Ireland FA will be entitled to pay if O’Neill decides to stay in charge of the Lancashire club.

However, remuneration to the football association is not a concern at this time, as the club is also in the process of hiring a new CEO following Steve Waggott’s resignation nine months ago.

According to reports, Blackburn are likely to hold negotiations with prospects in India as the Venky’s attempt to restructure behind the scenes following a catastrophic year on the pitch.

Rovers have risen to 20th in the second division rankings after two consecutive victories, giving them a five-point lead over 22nd-place Leicester City.

They have 13 games left to prevent relegation, having been in the Championship since their promotion from League One under Tony Mowbray in 2018.

The next game for O’Neill’s team is a midweek match at home to Bristol City, as they attempt to continue their winning streak under their new management.

Michael O’Neill’s choice will very certainly not be made until the summer, as the Northern Ireland job is too vital.

O’Neill has done well in his first two games at Blackburn, but it would be a risky move to seek a three-year contract right away.

The club should perhaps wait until closer to the end of the season to make a final decision on whether he is the right guy to lead the squad long-term.

And, considering that O’Neill still has to navigate the March international for a key Northern Ireland clash – or maybe two if they get past Italy – there is considerable risk involved with the task he has been assigned.

The hiring of a CEO should take precedence over any decision about the management, as they will be a key figure in the team’s future path.