Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill handed 16-month driving ban

Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill has been banned from driving for 16 months after pleading guilty to a drink-driving offence.

The 48-year-old was caught driving on the outskirts of Edinburgh in the early hours of September 10 while around three times the legal limit.

O'Neill appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Thursday afternoon to plead guilty, with Sheriff Thomas Welsh QC fining him £1,3000 on top of the ban.

The court heard how the former Newcastle United and Coventry City striker was found to have a breath alcohol level of 65mcg, compared to the legal limit of 22mcg.

Northern Ireland remain on course to reach the World Cup finals next summer, having set up a qualification playoff tie against Switzerland for next month.