AFP, LONDON: Michael O'Neill has been rewarded for leading Northern Ireland to a first major tournament in 30 years with a bumper contract extension till 2024, the Irish FA (IFA) announced on Friday.

O’Neill, 48, had been chased by the Scottish FA as they seek to find a successor to Gordon Strachan. After turning down the SFA following talks last month, O'Neil agreed a new deal worth a reported a record £700,000 (790,000 euros, $974,000) a year salary for a Northern Ireland manager to remain in charge.

“I am extremely proud to manage my country and I am pleased to be extending my time in charge of the senior team,” O'Neill said in a statement released by the IFA.

“In recent months I have been approached about taking other opportunities in football. However, no other challenge attracted me as much as taking Northern Ireland back to a major tournament.”