Jonny Evans has admitted that he is shocked no Premier League side tried to poach manager Michael O'Neill following Northern Ireland's Euro 2016 exploits.
The Green and White Army defied expectations in France this summer by making it out of a tricky group, before eventually falling to Wales in the last 16.
Having led Northern Ireland to their first major tournament in 30 years, and achieved relative success when getting there, O'Neill was tipped to take on a top-level post this season.
With a new qualifying campaign now about to get underway, however, with an opening-game clash against Czech Republic this evening, Evans is delighted to see the 47-year-old still at the helm.
"A few of us have said we are surprised a club has not come in for him," BBC Sport quotes the West Bromwich Albion man as saying. "It has been strange no-one has come in for him.
"He is in a great position and I think no matter what happens in this campaign he will always be in a strong position. We are all really fond of the manager, we would all like to see him being given that chance to go and prove himself at club level.
"I do not think we would hold it against him if he did move on and manage a club. We are grateful as players that we have him for this campaign because we know the hunger he has and it has a big impact on us."
O'Neill, who has previously enjoyed stints at Shamrock Rovers and Brechin City, penned a new four-year deal with Northern Ireland prior to Euro 2016.
Daniel Lewis
