Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill has been appointed Blackburn Rovers boss until the end of the season in a move that will see him juggle both roles.

Confirming the appointment on Friday, Blackburn said interim boss Damien Johnson will be in the dugout for Saturday’s Championship game against Queens Park Rangers with O’Neill watching in the stands.

O’Neill’s backroom team at Ewood Park includes his former Northern Ireland captain Steven Davis and ex-Blackburn and Manchester United defender Phil Jones.

In addition to leading Blackburn’s efforts to avoid relegation to League One, O’Neill will also be tasked with preparing Northern Ireland for next month’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Italy.

If Northern Ireland win in Bergamo on 26 March, they will face Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina in a play-off final five days later.

O’Neill thanked the Irish FA for “their support and co-operation in allowing me to take this opportunity”.

“Blackburn Rovers is a historic Premier League-winning club with a proud tradition, and the chance to work at a club of that stature is one I felt was important to embrace,” said 56-year-old O’Neill.

“The immediate focus is clear – there is a challenge ahead in the final stretch of the season and the objective is to help the team build momentum and climb the Championship table.”

He added: “For now, my focus is on giving everything to Blackburn Rovers in the weeks ahead.

“I understand what this club means to its supporters and I am looking forward to working with the players and staff to deliver performances the fans can be proud of.”