Hello! Northern Ireland might have missed out on a first World Cup since 1986, but O'Neill's decision to snub Scotland and lead them in the Euro 2020 and World Cup 2022 qualification campaigns softened the blow.

And with several familiar names missing today, the Northern Ireland boss has a chance to look to the future by giving some new faces a chance to show they cut the mustard on the international stage.

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And so, a nation rejoiced. Northern Ireland kept hold of the man who has masterminded their finest footballing memories since the mid-1980s.

"Delighted."

"He's seen sense."

"We should make him the First Minister!"

OK, some reactions may have been a tad over the top. But all of them summed up the nation's joyous mood: Dare to Dream again.

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For a while, a divorce between Michael O'Neill and Northern Ireland looked on the cards. The relationship appeared to have run its course amid admiring glances - most notably from Scotland - by others attempting to woo him.

O'Neill searched his soul for a while, even had a date with the Scottish FA, but then decided that, sometimes, the grass isn't greener. Especially when you're getting a whopping pay rise in the process...

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They all had that horrible sinking feeling in their stomachs. They all had plenty of questions racing around their confused minds.

He's not going to leave really, is he? Why isn't he happy here? Why would he be attracted by THAT?

Is our relationship over?