Ian Baraclough
Ian Baraclough was sacked 28 months after taking charge of Northern Ireland

These days, there are a lot of high-profile leadership races.

It doesn't feel like a long time ago that we were discussing who would take over from Ian Baraclough.

Baraclough's NI didn't catch fire over the last two years. The Irish FA decided the green shoots were not emerging quickly enough and that the former Under-21s boss was building something for the long-term.

Northern Ireland's results have not been great recently, but with a favorable Euro 2024 qualification draw, they have a chance of making it to the Championships in Germany.

Who might be in contention to take over?

Michael O'Neill

Michael O'Neill
Michael O'Neill enjoyed a successful first stint in charge of Northern Ireland before departing for Stoke City

An immensely popular figure among Northern Ireland fans, he guided the side to the last 16 of Euro 2016 after they qualified for a major tournament for the first time in 30 years.

It's more likely that he'll return to the NI post than it would have been if he'd still been in charge of the club.

It would make sense for the IFA to sound out O'Neil's interests.

The question of whether the 53-year-old would view a return as a risk to his legacy is a potential stumbling block.

David Healy

David Healy
David Healy's Linfield have won the last four Irish Premiership titles

It is surely the leading scorer in Northern Ireland's history.

If you asked the members of the Green and White Army what their favourite moments at Windsor Park in this century were, they would probably choose the win against England and the hat-trick against Spain.

The days of the Killyleagh man finding the back of the net have passed, but he still enjoys success in the dugout.

Linfield were a minute away from reaching the conference league earlier this season, but have won the last four Irish titles.

Is he ready to take the leap from domestic to international management?

Stephen Robinson

Stephen Robinson
St Mirren boss Stephen Robinson has experience within the NI coaching set-up

He was one of five candidates to be interviewed for the Motherwell job in 2020.

He has been in charge of a League One side for eight months.

He has previous experience in the set-up, having previously managed NI's under-21s and been on O'Neil's coaching staff.

Robinson seems to be enjoying his time at St Mirren, and has the club sitting in fifth place after 10 games in the league.

Grant McCann

Grant McCann
Grant McCann is currently in his second spell as Peterborough United manager

The boss of the club is having a good start.

After being sacked by Hull City, McCann came back to The Posh for a second time in February and his team is now fourth in League One.

He has seven years of managerial experience after seven years of playing for Northern Ireland.

Neil Lennon

Neil Lennon
Neil Lennon was sacked by Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia just a week after they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester United

Lennon was fired by Omonia after seven months in charge and is now a free agent.

Having led Celtic to 10 major trophies in two spells as manager, the Lurgan man has plenty of managerial experience.

He was a part of the team that won the Scottish Championship in his first season with the club.

Lennon ended his international career in 2002 after receiving a death threat just hours before he was due to play for Northern Ireland.

Tommy Wright

Tommy Wright
Tommy Wright enjoyed an immensely successful seven-year spell in charge of St Johnstone

Two years ago, Wright was interviewed for the role and admitted to being disappointed when he didn't get the job.

In seven years as manager of St Johnstone, Wright achieved immense success, guiding them to a first Scottish Cup success and two European trips.

He left the club 10 months after it was demoted to the Championship after stepping down from the role.

The goalkeeper played for Northern Ireland 31 times in a 10 year period.