Northern Ireland boss Michael O'Neill has revealed he tried everything to change Oliver Norwood's decision to retire from international football.

The midfielder decided to stop playing for Northern Ireland in order to focus on Sheffield United's Premier League campaign.

"It's his decision and I can't influence it any more than I've tried to," O'Neill said.

"I tried everything, as I have done in the past with players who have contemplated retirement.

"Players like Aaron Hughes - I've always tried to make sure they've got the maximum out of their international careers. It's a disappointment for me but there's very little more I can do."

O'Neill added: "Ollie is a player who was picked consistently to start so it's not as if he wasn't being selected.

"He started every one of 26 qualification games in a row over a four-year period, the only player in the squad to have done that.

"You look at the likes of Aaron (Hughes), Gareth (McAuley), Steven Davis and Jonny Evans - they really value their international careers. They want to play as long as possible. They want to get 100 caps.

"Ollie had that opportunity but he has decided his club career takes priority and he has the right to make that decision."