Former St Johnstone player Frazer Wright reckons Northern Ireland would be mad not to have Tommy Wright on their shortlist.
The experienced Saints boss is among the bookies’ favourites to land the post vacated by Michael O'Neill yesterday.
And 2014 Scottish Cup winning defender Wright, now second in command at BSC Glasgow, reckons his old gaffer would fit the bill.
“Tommy captained his country back in his goalkeeping days and also spent time as a coach with Michael,” said Wright.
“Saints fans will be bracing themselves for more speculation about their manager, but it’s hardly surprising given Tommy’s track record.
“He has regularly taken the club into the top six and in 2014 we won the Scottish Cup for the first time in Saints’ history.”
While St Johnstone struggled in the earlier stages of this season, Wright steadied the ship and edged the Perth club clear of danger.
“What he has done this season must rate among his best ever achievements,” insisted former Saints player Wright.
“He had to show a different side to his managerial qualities to take a team that was bottom of the league and favourites for relegation at the start of December to be seventh and looking good for another top six finish when the pandemic kicked-in.
“What a turnaround it has been. Tommy has the trust of the players and that’s important whether you are managing a club or a country.”
Wright is currently 5/1 with bookmakers to succeed O’Neill, with U21 coach Ian Baraclough an early odds-on favourite.
