Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce has insisted Lawrie Sanchez is contracted to Fulham as caretaker manager " purely until the end of the season."

Chris Coleman was sacked by the London club late last night and Sanchez was given permission to take over on a temporary basis following talks between Craven Cottage chiefs and the IFA.

However, Boyce pointed out that Sanchez is "still very much the manager of Northern Ireland" and added that any full-time approach would be "a story for another day."

He added:  "I do not begrudge Lawrie the opportunity. Since he became manager we have climbed dramatically in the rankings. I expect us to be up to 42 or 43 in the next Fifa list and we were 124 when Lawrie took over.

"He has taken on the best - England, Sweden, Spain and never disappointed us. But I must stress this is purely until the end of the season. I spoke to Lawrie twice last night and again this morning and have spoken to Fulham as well. They have come through the front door, which is nice. I wish them all the very best in their efforts to stay in the Premiership.

"But I emphasise Lawrie is still very much the manager of Northern Ireland."

Sanchez has told the IFA he intends to see out his contract.

IFA chief executive Howard Wells said: "He has given a commitment to me with regards to seeing out his contract with Northern Ireland. Fulham have also given a commitment to me this is an appointment for the remaining five matches until the end of the season."

Sanchez might consider managing both club and country if his short spell at Fulham is successful and they avoid relegation. He is clear of international commitments until August when Northern Ireland restart their qualifying campaign against Liechtenstein at Windsor Park.

Wells said: "If circumstances change they (Fulham) will want to discuss things further with us."