Northern Ireland keep Worthington

Nigel Worthington will remain as Northern Ireland manager throughout the UEFA EURO 2012™ qualifying campaign after verbally agreeing a new contract with the Irish Football Association.

'Absolutely delighted'
The 48-year-old, who won 66 caps during an international career spanning 13 years, has been in charge since succeeding Lawrie Sanchez in June 2007 after previously managing Blackpool FC, Norwich City FC and Leicester City FC. "I'm absolutely delighted and thrilled that a new contract has been agreed," said Worthington. "These are exciting times for Northern Ireland; looking back over the World Cup campaign the players as a unit performed very well and there were so many pleasing aspects as well for us to take out of it. I believe we can continue to move things forward and step up to the challenges which lie ahead."