Worthington set for NI extension
Worthington has impressed by keeping Northern Ireland in Euro 2008 contention
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Monday, 19, Nov 2007 10:25
Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington looks set to continue in his role after being given a vote of confidence by his employers.
The former Norwich boss was signed up to guide the team through the remainder of its Euro 2008 qualification campaign after the departure of Laurie Sanchez to Fulham.
However, whether results in the final round of group F matches grant his side progress to next summer's tournament or not, Worthington is likely to be handed a new contract.
"Do I think he can do the job on a permanent basis? Without a doubt," IFA chief Howard Wells told BBC 5 Live.
"I believe every international manager needs at least two tournaments to prove they can do it."
Northern Ireland must win away to Spain, who have already booked their passage to Austria and Switzerland, and hope that Sweden slip up against Latvia if they are to make it through.
"We've decided not to discuss it further until after game - that's a mutual decision with Nigel so he can concentrate on the game," Wells said.
"He came in at a difficult time, he picked up the baton and moved it on."
Worthington began his international managerial career with disappointing defeats to Latvia and Iceland, but he has since bolstered his case to be kept on with a draw away to Sweden and a home win over Denmark at the weekend.
During his playing days Worthington won 66 caps for Northern Ireland and appeared in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.