Tommy Wright has emerged as the favourite to succeed Michael O'Neill as Northern Ireland manager following his departure from Saint Johnstone.

The former Ballymena boss had been in charge at McDiarmid Park since 2013 and still had two years left on his contract.

Wright, who led Saint Johnstone to Scottish FA Cup glory in 2014, says it feels like the "right time" to part company with the club:

"It was extremely difficult, obviously being at the club so long I've got a lot of feelings for the club, lots and lots of happy memories and worked with a lot of good people both on the pitch and off the pitch.

"It was something that was being considered for a while, even as far back as at the end of the season when we finished eighth (in 2017-18).

"We sort of made a decision to see if over the next couple of years we could bring the age of the squad down and it might be time for me to move on. Fortunately, we have done that. There have been two good seasons.

"It's been something that I felt that when you are at a club for a long period of time, sometimes there comes a point where you need a break and I do need a break.

"It's a tough job. People don't give you sympathy being in football management, but it's 365 days and 24 hours a day and I just felt that this season, if we did well, it would have been the perfect time for me to leave the club in a really strong position.

"The future is really bright on the pitch. I won't be the one that will take the team forward but I think that could be good, not only for me but for the club and team as well.