Southampton midfielder Steven Davis has indicated that his club should consider his Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill as they search for a replacement for Ronaldo Koeman.
Koeman left for Everton after steering the Saints to Europa League football next season, and the south coast club have yet to appoint a successor.
O'Neill, who guided Northern Ireland to the round of 16 at Euro 2016, where they lost 1-0 to Wales, has a buyout clause in his contract that is reported to be worth around £750,000.
And the Times quoted Davis as saying: "Stranger things have happened, haven't they?"
"There are going to be people who are looking at him. He has done a hell of job here. I'm sure there are a lot of clubs who are thinking he is a suitable candidate.
"Our [Northern Ireland] lads are playing lower leagues, but they've shown they are more than capable of getting to this standard.
"You need a chance to do that, and that's the same for a manager. It's just somebody having the belief in Michael to give him the opportunity -- and I'm sure he wouldn't let anyone down."
O'Neill managed Irish clubs Brechin City and Shamrock Rovers before taking the national job, overcoming a difficult start to guide his side to the Euro 2016 final stages.
"We've had unbelievable progression in the last couple of years," Davis said. "We just need to take the positives from this tournament and continue to build on it."