Slaven Bilic has acknowledged that the timing was not ideal for him to take over Blackburn Rovers.

It was rumored earlier this month that the Croatian was being considered to replace Valerien Ismael, who was fired on February 2 after a 1-0 loss to Hull City.

However, the Lancashire club ultimately decided to employ Northern Ireland national team coach Michael O’Neill as Ismael’s replacement for the balance of the season.

The 56-year-old will share the two roles, with the national team in contention for a spot in the World Cup this summer following the March play-offs.

Meanwhile, Blackburn will be hopeful that O’Neill can keep Rovers out of League One this season, as the team faces relegation.

Slaven Bilic discusses the Blackburn Rovers decision.

Bilic stated that he did not believe it was the right moment to return to English football, having previously coached West Ham, Watford, and West Brom.

He hopes to return to England in the future and expressed interest in the Blackburn post, but felt the timing was not right.Bilic confirmed this on Sky Sports News on X.I determined that at this point in the season, it was not the best time to leave.

“That was my decision based on that.

“I was curious; it’s always wonderful to be associated with clubs from England.

“If the club is right and the moment is right, why not?

“It’s a fantastic job, and it’s always been my specialty; it’s like my second tongue.

“We will see what happens.”

Blackburn returned to winning ways over the weekend, defeating QPR 3-1 to earn a critical three points.

This propelled Rovers to 19th in the Championship table, three points clear of the relegation zone with 14 games remaining.

This was the club’s second victory in 11 league games, the other being against Sheffield Wednesday on February 3.

Blackburn’s next game will be O’Neill’s first home game as manager, against Preston North End on February 20 at 8 p.m.

Michael O’Neill’s appointment at Blackburn is a positive start.

Bilic, with his experience in English football, may have been a terrific fit for Blackburn, as he understands the competitiveness of the Championship.

But O’Neill has made a promising start at Ewood Park, and the victory over QPR should give fans reason to be optimistic.

Their goal from now until the end of the season is simple: stay in the division.

As long as that is accomplished, O’Neill’s appointment will have been a success, and a longer-term judgment on whether he should stay or go may then be made.