FORMER England strikers Gary Lineker and Ian Wright were both in agreement that Gary O’Neil could not have done any more to earn himself a shot at the Cherries job on a permanent basis.

O’Neil took charge of the side for a 12th time on Saturday, guiding them to a 3-0 win over Everton.

During his interim head coach tenure, following the sacking of Scott Parker in August, O’Neil has overseen four wins, four draws and four defeats across league and cup.

His future now is unclear, with Cherries without a game until the week commencing December 19 due to the World Cup break.

A decision on who will be the next permanent head coach is expected in that time, with American billionaire owner Bill Foley's takeover of the club also expected to be ratified.

“He would be a bit unlucky if he doesn’t get the job I suspect,” said ex-Tottenham and Barcelona striker Lineker, speaking in conversation with Wright on Match of the Day.

“He’s taken them to mid-table, they’re in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.

“Looking at the comparisons with Scott Parker since he’s taken over, massive improvement.

“But talks apparently going on with Marcelo Bielsa (to become next Cherries boss).

“It just seems a bit strange that he didn’t get the job. He’s done as much as he can do, surely?”

Arsenal legend Wright replied: “I think he couldn’t do any more. Especially when you heard Scott Parker, how he was talking about the team, the same squad and what he thought of them.

“He thought they were way short.

“So for him to take them to (14th) the way he has done, I think he’s got to take a lot of credit. He couldn’t do any more.”

Cherries sit 14th in the Premier League table, three points off the top half and three points clear of the relegation zone.