They say you should never go back, but Graeme Souness believes experience will have guided Michael O'Neill's decision to return as Northern Ireland boss.
O'Neill is back for a second spell as international manager, and kicked off his new reign last week with mixed fortunes in the Euro qualifiers.
An opening win over San Marino was followed by Sunday's narrow defeat to Finland, a reminder of the size of job facing the 53-year-old second time around.
Read more: Liverpool FC legend coming to Belfast and he's bringing a special guest
Liverpool legend Souness admits he doesn't envy O'Neill, or any other international manager for that matter.
But he knows the former Stoke City boss will have returned to the post with his eyes wide open.
Souness told Belfast Live: "I have never managed an international team, but I imagine it is super difficult because you don't get long to work with the players.
"But Michael did really well the last time. And it is a very hard gig.
"The biggest part of it is what the country throws up at you at a particular time. It is a difficult job but he has experience of it and he obviously fancies it again, and why not?
"He was so successful last time around.
"Northern Ireland are like Scotland. There is a small pool of players to pick from.
"What is Northern Ireland's population? Just around 2m or something? Scotland is around 5m.
"But there is nothing like experience in life. And the same applies in football. And Michael has a lot of goodwill going to him, and deservedly so."
O'Neill etched his name in Northern Ireland's football folklore during his first spell as boss, guiding the country to the Euro finals in 2016.
He also narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2018 World Cup, losing out to Switzerland in a controversial play-off defeat.
The former Newcastle United midfielder galvanised his country's football fortunes, but with an evolving - and ageing - squad this time around, there are concerns his second coming may struggle to hit the same heights.
"It is an easy thing to say 'you should never go back'. Michael is not daft, he knows the players he has, and the players who are coming through over the next two or three years," Souness said.
"And he obviously fancies it. Working with a national team, as opposed to a club side, you have very little time with the players.
"You need to get your message across quickly. I haven't done it, although I was part of the Scottish international side many, many times. And I do know how difficult it is.
"He fancies doing it again and fair play to him. It is a brave move.
"How can you please everyone all of the time in that job? Everyone is on your side to start with, but a couple of bad results and it is super difficult because there is so much interest in it.
"There is nothing I can say that would be new to his ears, in terms of managing an international team."
Souness believes qualifying for major tournaments is tougher now than when he was a player, an argument bolstered by Northern Ireland's opening Euro qualifying results.
"It isn't easy qualifying for these tournaments. Teams like Finland have evolved. Everyone is fit and is aware of how each other plays," he said.
"Everyone is organised and has good players. You can watch football every night of the week on television, and these nations will be fully aware of who they are playing against.
"There are no easy games in international football anymore."
Souness and O'Neill will be the star attractions at a special talk show night being held at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast on Friday, May 19.
The former Liverpool and Rangers midfielder and manager will talk through his career, which included spells in England, Scotland and Italy.
O'Neill will join the 69-year-old on stage to chat about his own career.
"I have met Michael a few times, and we have been out before. I remember one night, I am nearly sure it was in Doha," Souness said.
"I know he can let his hair down, and he's a bit younger than me so he can do that better than I can.
"I find Michael is a football person and easy going, and I enjoy his company. So I am sure we will be fine together."
He added: "I am looking forward to coming to Belfast. I haven't been in a couple of years so it will be good to come back.
"There is a massive Rangers and Celtic following there, and it's either Liverpool or Manchester United for many other fans.
"It is a football mad place, so that's why we decided to put one of our shows on in Belfast and see how it goes down.
"I am fairly straight forward in my opinion on things, and I will be on the night. I can talk football all night.
"I have been in football a long time and have an opinion. And I think when you have played the game then you are entitled to a bigger opinion.
"And I have an opinion on certain things that people will find interesting."
The evening will be presented by UTV's Ruth Gorman, and anyone looking tickets can get them from the Waterfront Hall website HERE
Tickets range from £40 to £150.
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