During a spell at St James' Park between 1987–1989 he scored 15 goals in 48 appearances, making his debut for Newcastle as substitute in a 4-0 defeat at Luton Town.
O'Neill played as a midfielder or forward for Coleraine, Newcastle, Dundee United, Hibs, Coventry City, Aberdeen (on loan), Reading (on loan), Wigan, St Johnstone, Portland Timbers, Clydebank, Glentoran and Ayr United.
He is now manager at Shamrock Rovers, but chairman Jonathan Roache will not welcome any interest from Hibernian.
The former Easter Road midfielder has emerged as one of the front-runners to replace John Hughes, who left the Edinburgh club on Monday by mutual consent after a nightmare start to the season.
Jonathan Roache: "It's understandable Michael is going to be linked with other jobs because he has done brilliantly for Shamrock.
"But we wouldn't appreciate interest from anyone. We are close to winning the league for the first time in 16 years and this is an unwelcome distraction.
"Michael has a year left of his contract and a few weeks ago we started talking to him about extending that.
"I regard him as the best young manager in Ireland and as good a prospect as there would be in Scotland and England.
"We're an ambitious club and hope Michael will be with us long term."
the time to make the right appointment.
"I'm sure when our next manager is appointed he will be somebody we will all welcome.
"We all liked John and are sorry to see him go, but it has given us the best opportunity to get back to winning ways."