He brushed aside unionist criticisms that he was turning a blind eye to the IRA - and said he had learned a lot from Prime Minister Tony Blair in how he had approached all the pro-agreement parties.

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The 35-year-old hugely-respected manager - whom Celtic approached to replace to Gordon Strachan before the Parkhead turned to West Brom boss Tony Mowbray - is now set for an emotional return to Wigan after an eight year absence.

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