Michael O’Neill says that the upcoming European Championships can provide a platform to show the best of both Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland fans.
The sides were kept apart in the group stages draw and can’t meet until the quarter-finals.
O’Neill’s men are in Group C alongside Germany, Ukraine and Poland, while the Boys in Green face Sweden, Belgium and Italy in Group E.
The ex-Shamrock Rovers boss, whose team will play in Nice, Lyon and Paris respectively, told RTÉ: “A lot has been made of the whole north/south thing in terms of will the fans mix, will they not?
“I think everyone will go and really enjoy the tournament. I don’t see any issues there and certainly I hope that’s the case.
“This is a real chance for Ireland, north and south, to show what a great country this is, or two great countries, should I say.”
Martin O’Neill’s Republic of Ireland are currently in camp ahead of friendlies against Holland in Dublin on Friday and Belarus next Tuesday in Cork.
The story of the two O’Neills will be told by RTÉ’s Northern Editor, Tommie Gorman, on Nationwide at 7pm tonight.
Michael O'Neill tells @RTENationwide that fans will enjoy themselves in France. For more see @RTEOne 7pm #rtesoccerhttps://t.co/oftwLcKZuy
— RTÉ Soccer (@RTEsoccer) May 25, 2016
