Hectic calendar is putting players at risk of injury, says NI boss Michael O’Neill
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill says the bloated playing schedule is a new problem to deal with in football
Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has had to contend with multiple injury absences in his time as boss
Defender Jonny Evans missed Northern Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifying clashes with Finland and Denmark due to injury
Michael O’Neill believes players are at risk of sustaining injuries due to their increased workloads.
The Northern Ireland boss saw his Euro 2024 qualifying hopes shattered by a series of injuries.
O’Neill was forced to turn to young and inexperienced players while a significant number including captain Steven Davis and Stuart Dallas needed treatment.
Another influential player who missed the final double-header against Finland and Denmark was defender Jonny Evans.
Defender Jonny Evans missed Northern Ireland's Euro 2024 qualifying clashes with Finland and Denmark due to injury
Evans’ team-mate Raphael Varane has slammed authorities for ignoring player concerns, arguing: “From the managers and players, we have shared our concerns for many years now that there are too many games, the schedule is overcrowded, and it’s at a dangerous level for players’ physical and mental wellbeing.”
O’Neill says the increased demands on players is something he and other managers are going to have to deal with.
“I would have two answers as a club or international manager,” said the former Shamrock Rovers chief.
“The players are asked to play a lot. If you ask Paddy (McNair) his schedule at Middlesbrough, it will involve not a lot of training time, mostly recovering and travel within the League.
“I understand that it’s an opportunity for players to reset if they are not coming away for internationals.
“The
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