NIGEL WORTHINGTON HAS confirmed he will stand down as Northern Ireland manager after the team’s final Euro 2012 qualifying match against Italy on Tuesday.

There had been calls for Worthington to leave his position following their embarrassing 4-1 loss to Estonia last month.

And despite a marginal improvement in their performance against the same opponents at the weekend, the manager confirmed he plans to call it a day after tomorrow’s game.

As part of an IFA statement, he said:

“I feel it is only right to give the Association and players the opportunity and time to move forward and that is why I have decided that Tuesday night’s game will be my last in charge.”

Irish FA President, Jim Shaw, added:

“I appreciate Nigel’s decision on this matter and on behalf of the Association I would like to thank him for all the effort he has put in over his four and half years to maintain and improve all elements of football at the Irish Football Association.”

Early favourites to succeed Worthington include Shamrock Rovers boss Michael O’Neill, Brian Kerr, Lawrie Sanchez, Iain Dowie, Jim Magilton and Kenny Shiels.

Read the full IFA statement here>

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