Worthington agrees a contract with Northern Ireland

Sportspeak has learned that Nigel Worthington is out of line to replace Rafa Benitez at Liverpool after the Irish Football Association agreed with the 48-year old to continue as Northern Ireland boss.

Worthington’s contract ran out on December 31st, but he has verbally agreed to a new deal which will see him in the post until the end of the European campaign in 2012.

Irish FA president Raymond Kennedy said: “I am delighted that we have been able to reappoint Nigel as the manager of our International team.

“Nigel is a very experienced coach and I have no doubt that he will be able to build on the work he has already done and will take us forward in the Euro 2012 campaign.

“Nigel is a gentleman who has passion and pride and he has always shown a great interest in the work of all the departments of the Association – from grassroots football to the domestic game; as well as all the international teams. I fully believe that we have made the right decision in reappointing Nigel Worthington.”

Worthington added: “I am absolutely delighted and thrilled that a new contract has been agreed with the IFA.

“These are exciting times for football in 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 and I believe that we can continue to move things forward and step up to the challenges which lie ahead.”

“As far as the fans are concerned, home and away, they have been our 12th man and the one thing that I can promise them is that they will always get 110% commitment from myself and the players, and hopefully with that recipe again we can have a successful run in the Euro 2012 campaign.”

Both the IFA and Worthington will now focus on speaking with the backroom staff over the coming weeks.