Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington insists there is no rift with record scorer David Healy. Worthington lost his cool and spoke out after being appalled by the manner of their defeat at home by Hungary in a friendly three months ago.

He accused some of his players, who were not getting regular club football, of being unfit.

Healy, then out of the picture at Sunderland, apparently took exception to the remarks from a manager he had worked with at Norwich.

However, Worthington was keen to put the record straight on the eve of the World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

He said: “I gave my opinion after the game, which was right and proper. Every player knew exactly where I was coming from. If you are not fit, you are going to struggle.

“David then responded but people have been trying to make something when there is nothing there. My relationship with David has been first class, back to the time when we were together at Norwich.

“It will remain outstanding for three reasons — because of the relationship we already have; because of the player he is for Northern Ireland; because there is only one way to get on and that is to have harmony in the camp.”

After amassing 35 goals for Northern Ireland, Healy has suddenly started to fire for Sunderland with two in two games, including one in the crucial victory against Stoke at the weekend.

That is just the boost Worthington hoped for at the start of 2009.

“David is back in the frame and things have changed since the Hungary game,” he said. “One or two others are also getting more regular football. Certainly the players have been bouncing in training since we met up on Sunday.”