Worthington ready for challenge

Newly-appointed Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington insists he will "relish" the challenge of leading his country to the finals of a major tournament for the first time in 22 years.

The 45-year-old has been confirmed as the successor to Lawrie Sanchez until November 30 when the European Championships qualifying campaign ends and he inherits a side who top Group F at the halfway stage, having already secured surprise victories over the likes of Spain and Sweden.

Worthington, who was part of the golden generation which reached the 1982 and 1986 World Cups, said: "It is never easy to step in midstream but qualifying from this group will be my number one priority in the next six months and it is a challenge I shall relish."

Ballymena-born Worthington earned 66 caps in the green jersey and skippered the side during a 13-year international career.

And the Irishman, who led Norwich into the Premiership in 2004, admitted the lure of managing his country was impossible to resist.

"When your country comes knocking, there can only be one answer and I am honoured to be given this opportunity, the nature of which is unusual," he said.

"There is a good deal of talent in the squad with several younger players of quality emerging and I would like to congratulate Lawrie Sanchez and his support staff for leaving the squad in such good shape. I am fully aware of the enormity of the task and the expectations of the supporters."

Worthington, who was recently caretaker manager at Leicester but was overlooked for the job on a full-time basis, takes control with immediate effect following Sanchez's decision to step down after being offered the permanent position at Fulham at the end of the season.