Stoke City boss Michael O'Neill has stepped down from his role with the Northern Ireland national team.

O'Neill would have to manage European Championship play-offs that are delayed, while taking on the challenge of Stoke City's existing and next Championship seasons.

He has decided to give Stoke his full focus in the months ahead.

"After careful consideration and following discussions with the Irish FA, I feel it is only fair that now is the right time for me to step aside," he told the Irish Football Association's official website.

"I would have loved the opportunity to manage Northern Ireland in the Euro 2020 play-off game versus Bosnia-Herzegovina and the chance to qualify for another major tournament, but the current situation means that this is no longer possible.

"It was important to leave the association and team in the strongest possible shape in order to not only have the best chance of qualifying for Euro 2021, but allow the new manager time to build upon the success that we have had during my eight-year tenure."