Northern Ireland are expected to confirm Nigel Worthington as their long-term replacement to Lawrie Sanchez at a press conference this Friday.

Worthington's short-term deal coincided with the end of the Euro 2008 qualifying campaign in November.

Northern Ireland finished a respectable third behind Spain and Sweden and the IFA were impressed with the job the former international did when he succeeded Lawrie Sanchez.

Worthington, who won 66 caps for Northern Ireland, is understood to have secured a lucrative two-year deal.

The former Norwich boss has been in detailed discussions with the IFA since November.

He endured a mix bag of results in the last six games of the qualifying campaign but a superb victory against Denmark and a draw in Sweden won over the sceptics.

Worthington was part of the IFA delegation to Bratislava today for a World Cup fixtures meeting.

He will retain his backroom staff of coach Glynn Snodin and goalkeeper coach Fred Barber.

Northern Ireland begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with an away match against Slovakia on September 6th.

That will be followed by the visit of the Czech Republic to Windsor Park four days later.

Northern Ireland will play two away and two home games in 2008 with the remaining games being played between February and October next year.

Fixture list:September 6 2008 Slovakia (a); September 10 Czech Republic (h); Oct 11 Slovenia (a); Oct 15 San Marino (h); Feb 11 2009 San Marino (a); March 28 Poland (h); April 1 Slovenia (h); Sept 5 Poland (a); Sept 9 Slovakia (h); Oct 14  Czech Republic (a).