Every Friday, Caolán Conroy provides his take on at least three different sporting developments across the UK and Ireland, and shares his predictions for match-ups ahead.

 

Is Michael O’Neill set for Scotland?

Just as I write my weekly round-up, the Scottish FA have announced that they will hold further talks with current Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill about the vacant Scottish manager’s job. If O’Neill were tempted to take this new role it would be a massive blow for the North. It’s unlikely that they would be able to replace the Coleraine man with anyone who can achieve what he has with such a limited squad. The players believe in him, the fans love him, and he has the team playing a style of football that gets results and is semi-attractive.

The IFA have offered O’Neill a four-year contract extension, estimated to be worth around £1m a year. It’s a figure that the Scottish FA are likely to be able to match or better, but it’s unlikely that O’Neill will make his decision based on salary. It will all depend on a number of things: for one, he and his family are based in Scotland – would this suit his situation better? Does he believe he has taken this Northern Ireland team as far as he can? Or does he relish the opportunity of taking Scotland to their first major tournament in over 20 years?

I think they should think outside the box. It’s likely that the names that will be bandied around will be the same uninspiring names mentioned with every vacant role. Perhaps Stephen Kenny, the current Dundalk manager, or John Coleman of Accrington Stanley should be considered; both are very highly thought of, are progressive, and could carry on O’Neill’s good work.

 

If you thought Jordi Murphy was good, how would you feel about Quade Cooper rocking up at Ulster?

Ulster produced a major scalp this week with the signing of Jordi Murphy from Leinster. He’ll team up with the Ulster squad next season, with the back row signing a two-year contract. It’s a huge boost for Ulster who have already secured the services of Wasps prop Marty Moore for next season.

There have also been rumours flying around that Quade Cooper may also be on his way to Ulster. This week, he was told by his club Queensland Reds that he wouldn’t be part of the squad’s 2018 plans and would be training away from the first team.

Cooper, in my eyes, is unlikely to end up in Belfast (who would want to swap the warm weather in Sydney for the grey of Belfast at this time of year?), but what a timely signing he would be. Ulster have lost Paddy Jackson for the foreseeable and Christian Lealiifano’s contract is up in January. The 29-year-old Australian international is a precocious talent and would be an ideal replacement at fly-half.

Ulster desperately need to sign someone before the second half of the season and this could be the ideal scenario for both parties. Cooper may have had his off-pitch issues and a bad boy reputation, but what a boost it would be for Ulster and extremely exciting for the fans. I was told by one female fan that she expects female attendance to rocket at the Kingspan Stadium if the Australian hotshot does join… whatever could she mean?

 

When Brolly met Dunphy

Two of Irish sports most outspoken characters met this week when Eamon Dunphy interviewed Joe Brolly for his podcast. It was a fascinating discussion; for once Dunphy couldn’t get a word in. Brolly spoke at length about topics such as the Troubles, the current state of the GAA, and with some tough words for what he calls Mayo’s ‘celebrity losers’. He didn’t hold back on what he thought of Barry McGuigan, ‘the wee shite’, either. Sometimes Brolly can be accused of trying to push his own agenda too often, but this was a very entertaining and insightful hour of listening.

 

 

Allen was looking strong in UK Championship

Mark Allen is a man that he enjoys the UK Championship. After achieving a 147 at last year’s event and finishing as runner up in 2011, this week he reached the last 16 of this year’s competition and had been tipped to go one better this time round. To my surprise, however, the Antrim man suffered a 6-4 defeat to Joe Perry on Thursday. No doubt Allen will take confidence from this for the rest of the season and will hope to get a win under his belt soon.

 

Weekly predictions

Boxing: Michael Conlan vs Luis Fernando Molina – Conlan by stoppage in 6th

European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 4: Munster vs Leicester Tigers – Munster to win by 10

European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 1: Harlequins vs Ulster – ‘Quins to win by 5

European Rugby Champions Cup Pool 3: Exeter Chiefs vs Leinster – Leinster to win by 3

All-Ireland club SFC quarter-final: Fulham Irish v Corofin – Corofin to win by 7 points