WORTHINGTON BUILDS COACHING TEAM

Worthington - set to name his coaching team.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington expects to name his new youth coaching team in the next 48 hours.

Backed by the Irish Football Association, the former Norwich boss made it clear after securing a long-term deal he wanted to bring in his own staff for the age group sides.

As a result Roy Millar (Under-21), Mal Donaghy (Under-19) and Kenny Shiels (Under 17) all lost their jobs as coaches in April.

Worthington is keen to develop a process of continuity from the Under-17 team to the senior side.

He said: "I have everyone in place, so to speak, and am hoping all the minor things will be sorted out in the next couple of days.

"Then we might be able to release names and positions.

"I am looking forward to getting a new structure in place.

"There will be a freshness there, which will be good for the overall picture.

"Once we are up and running we will then look to the schools and see if we can help there."

Northern Ireland open their World Cup qualifying campaign in September but Worthington is already doing his homework.

He flew out to Euro 2008 to weigh up the Czech Republic and Poland, who are both in their group.

Worthington said: "They are both decent teams and will provide hard opposition.

"But if we play to our strengths and get in their faces then we are capable of getting good results.

"Being at the Euros gave me a real buzz and a desire to be there with Northern Ireland."

The province finished third in their qualifying campaign behind Spain and Sweden, who both won their opening games last night.

Worthington added: "It makes you realise what a tremendous tournament Northern Ireland had last time and how close we came.

"We took four points off Sweden, so we have good foundations and plenty to build on. That's what we will be looking to do in the coming campaign."

Meanwhile the IFA has agreed a four-year extension to its contract with JJB Sports, beginning August 1.

It means the company will remain as the official retail partner and official kit supplier to the governing body as well as title sponsor of the Irish Cup.

IFA head of marketing and communications, Geoff Wilson said: "The signing of the contract extension sends a positive message to the business sector.

"It is encouraging that brands of this quality are in partnership with the association."