Irish FA draws up shortlist for N Ireland manager's job

Michael O'Neill and Jim Magilton are believed to be on the shortlist for the Northern Ireland job

The Irish FA is understood to have drawn up a shortlist of around six names for the vacant Northern Ireland manager's job.

Jim Magilton, Michael O'Neill, Iain Dowie, Gerry Armstrong and former Cardiff and Southampton manager Dave Jones are believed to be on the list.

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers is thought to have turned down a request to consider the role on a part-time basis.

It is believed the interview process will begin next week.

The manager's first away game will be against Holland in Amsterdam on 2 June.

BBC Sport learned on Tuesday that a friendly against the Dutch had been lined up which will be the first time the countries have met since the qualifying campaign for the 1978 World Cup.

Candidates O'Neill and Magilton are currently working together at League of Ireland club Shamrock Rovers, with manager O'Neill being assisted by the former Ipswich Town and Queens Park Rangers boss.

However, it is not clear if the duo will be prepared to run on a joint ticket for the Northern Ireland job.

Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant expressed interest in the job last month but is no longer believed to be in the running.

The Irish FA is seeking a replacement for Nigel Worthington who stood down after the completion of the unsuccessful Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in October.

The new manager looks certain to be in place for the friendly against Norway at Windsor Park in February.