SOCCER: Nigel Worthington has committed himself to his role as Northern Ireland manager after the Irish Football Association (IFA) turned down an approach by Norwich for their former boss over the managerial vacancy at Carrow Road.

The Canaries are looking to make a quick appointment after sacking previous incumbent Glenn Roeder on Wednesday with the club sitting fourth from bottom of the Coca-Cola Championship and turned to former boss Worthington.

The former Sheffield Wednesday defender, who earned 66 caps for Northern Ireland in the 1980s and 90s, spent six years at the helm in East Anglia, leading them into the Premier League before he was sacked in 2006.

A short spell as Leicester caretaker-manager followed before he was appointed as Northern Ireland boss in June 2007 and now Ballymena-born Worthington has reiterated his devotion to the job.

Worthington told the BBC: "I am happy to focus on a job I am enjoying.

"I spoke to the president about the situation and we are both happy that it was in the best interests of the association and myself that any offer from Norwich be rejected.

"I had a successful time at Norwich although the last six months were a bit hairy when tough times hit.

"I have done the Norwich job and have now moved on and I am really enjoying my role with Northern Ireland."

The IFA had turned down the club's request to speak to the 47-year-old approach and a statement on their official website read: "Nigel is currently making preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and is fully focused and committed to his job as the Northern Ireland international manager."

Worthington took over at Norwich in a caretaker capacity in December 2000 before being given a full-time contract a month later.

He led the team to a play-off final in 2002 where they lost out on penalties to Birmingham but two years later the Canaries won the Championship and returned to the top flight after a nine-year absence.

However, their stay was short-lived as they were relegated in the following season and the next campaign saw Norwich only finish ninth in the second tier.

The 2006/07 season started badly and after a run of four defeats and a draw in five games left the club in 17th place, Worthington was sacked in October.

In April 2007 he had a short stint as caretaker boss at Leicester.

He was then appointed to his present role in June 2007 and although he failed to lead them to the finals of Euro 2008, Worthington was given an extended contract for the duration of the 2010 World Cup qualification campaign.

Northern Ireland are currently off the pace in the World Cup qualifiers.

They lie fifth in Group 3 going into the away match against San Marino on February 11th.