NORTHERN IRELAND boss Michael O’Neill has been charged with drink driving.
The 48-year-old was pulled over just before 1am on Sunday on the outskirts of Edinburgh.
Cops arrested O’Neill on the Edinburgh City Bypass after he allegedly failed a breath test.
Police confirmed a man, 48, has been charged “in connection with drink driving”.
A spokesman added: “He is due to appear at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on October 10.”
He could face a ban and a fine if convicted. The bust comes as O’Neill continues to lead the Northern Irish squad to glory.
The dad of two was tipped to replace Scotland manager Gordon Strachan earlier this year after the national side’s dire start in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
O’Neill was also linked to the Hearts job last month after Ian Cathro’s sacking, but his international bosses are desperate to hold onto him.
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O’Neill has guaranteed at least second spot for his nation in their Russia 2018 qualifying group — just a year after leading them to the Euros.
The court date comes just two days after a crucial World Cup qualifier against Norway.
An Irish Football Association spokesman said: “We are aware of an alleged drink driving incident involving Michael O’Neill. As it is a police matter, we will be making no further comment.”
At his house in the capital yesterday O’Neill said: “I’ve no comment to make on it.”
The boss — previously in charge at Brechin City — has in the past denied rumours he had a drink problem in his playing days.
He said: “Yes, I’ll go to the pub and have a beer, of course, and I always enjoyed as a player being around my team-mates.
“But I don’t think anyone would ever say that I was a poor professional as a player.”
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