Worthington cautions IFA

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington has warned the Irish Football Association they must take a more "professional" approach to discussions over his new contract.

Worthington has made no secret of his desire to sign a new deal with the Ulstermen as he looks to plot a path to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

But the former Norwich boss, who was originally handed a deal until the end of the ultimately unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, admits he is surprised by the IFA's very public approach to his contract negotiations.

IFA chief executive Howard Wells has said he is waiting for a "commitment one way or the other" from Worthington, but the 46-year-old insists it is only the length of the deal which needs to be finalised.

"It's talking about a contract — a length of contract. All that has got to be determined," Worthington told the BBC.

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

"The agreement was made before the end of the campaign that both parties would let the games get out of the way so there were no distractions on anybody's behalf.

"The president (Raymond Kennedy), myself and Howard Wells would sit down and have a discussion.

"The proper way is to conduct business in a professional manner, keep it under wraps and if and when there is something to announce, then announce it."

Worthington concedes that the IFA will need to alter their approach if he is to remain at the helm and is keen to stress that the stalling has nothing to do with financial matters.

"If we can do these talks in a professional, discreet manner, I'll be open (to staying on in the job). I would love to stay in the situation but things have got to be right," he added.

"I'm at a stage of my career where finance is not the be all and end all.

"The important thing for me is whether the IFA are looking to take the situation forward and you have issues like how the players are looked after and things like sports science.

"The people of Northern Ireland know me and I know them. They know what I've done for my country."  PA