IFA chief calms Worthington row

Irish FA chief Howard Wells has moved to assure Nigel Worthington that the association believes he is fully committed to the Northern Ireland job.

Worthington was unhappy after comments from Wells that the IFA needed "a commitment one way or the other" on whether the boss was going to stay on.

However, Wells moved to clarify the issue on Tuesday.

"His commitment to the job has been 100%. We're very much hoping that he'll want to continue," added Wells.

The Irish FA chief executive has "apologised profusely" for any confusion caused by his comments.

"I certainly didn't intend to give him any kind of sense that the IFA didn't feel that he's made a commitment to (the job). Quite the opposite.

"He's made a massive commitment and we're very impressed by that commitment."

Wells added that the IFA hoped to meet Worthington either later this week or early next week to hold talks over a new contract for the manager

On Monday, Worthington called on the Irish FA to give him a new contract offer instead of putting public pressure on him to quickly sign a deal.

The Northern Ireland manager was "surprised" by IFA chief Howard Wells' comment that the governing body needs an answer within the next week.

"It's talking about a contract - a length of contract. All that has got to be determined," said Worthington.

However, the manager emphasised that he was keen to stay on in the post.

Worthington called on the IFA to be "professional" in the negotiations.

"I've never known a situation where you put the cart before the horse. Before you have talks, to be asked for a commitment?"

Worthington made it clear that he was perturbed by any suggestion that he may not be fully committed to the Northern Ireland job.

"Maybe, it was a tired statement (from Howard Wells) from somebody getting off a plane after a long journey."

Source: BBC Sport