Soccer: Nigel Worthington has not yet finished work as Northern Ireland manager but Shamrock Rovers boss Michael O'Neill has already been installed as the favourite to succeed him.
Worthington takes charge of his country for the final time tonight in their Euro 2012 qualifier against Italy, after announcing his decision to step down on the eve of the game.
The Irish Football Association, who do not have another senior fixture pencilled in until the visit of Norway in February, are in no major rush to appoint a successor but will soon have an idea of the field they have to choose from.
O’Neill’s achievement in steering a League of Ireland team to the group stages of the Europa League for the first time has raised his profile significantly with the bookmakers making him a 3-1 favourite for the role.
Worthington’s predecessor Lawrie Sanchez touted himself for a controversial return as long ago as last month, but his criticism of a standing manager was not well received and his popularity among the players is low.
After yesterday’s announcement former Northern Ireland striker Iain Dowie became the first of the realistic options to declare an interest in talking to the IFA, telling Sky Sports News: “If I can help, I would.”
Former Leicester, Aston Villa and Celtic boss Martin O’Neill would be a popular name to replace Worthington, but he is thought to favour a return to club management.
