In the cinematic desert that is the January-February movie-release schedule, one gains a greater appreciation for mere competence.

Michael O’Neill wants his arrival as Northern Ireland manager to signal a new beginning for the national side – and has called on every eligible player to be part of it.

New manager Michael O’Neill is relishing the challenge of improving the fortunes of Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland supporters’ chief Gary McAllister has called for the Green and White Army to throw their support behind new national boss Michael O’Neill.

New Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill made restoring a sense of pride in the shirt his first objective after agreeing a two-year contract to replace Nigel Worthington.

MICHAEL O’NEILL intends to “restore a sense of belief and pride” in the Northern Ireland national side after being appointed on a two-year contract by the Irish Football Association.

Michael O’Neill intends to “restore a sense of belief and pride” in the Northern Ireland national side after being appointed on a two-year contract by the IFA.

THE Republic of Ireland’s hopes of luring Newcastle’s Shane Ferguson across the border took a serious dent last night after he was named in Northern Ireland’s squad to face Serbia in an U21 match next Tuesday.

Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O’Neill insists he is not looking to leave the club as they prepare to face PAOK Salonika in their Europa League Group A clash at Tallaght Stadium tomorrow night.

Italy 3 Northern Ireland 0

NIGEL WORTHINGTON will step down as Northern Ireland manager after tonight’s match against Italy after admitting recent results had left him no option.

Nigel Worthington today announced he will step down as manager of Northern Ireland after their final Euro 2012 qualifier in Italy tomorrow night.

NORTHERN IRELAND’S slim hopes of a Euro 2012 play-off – and possibly Nigel Worthington’s prospects of a new contract – were finally extinguished with a second defeat at the hands of lowly Estonia.

Northern Ireland 1 Estonia 2

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington says it “beggars belief” that he has not heard back from Newcastle defender Shane Ferguson after offering him the chance of a call-up to the senior side.

Northern Ireland were dealt another injury blow today when Manchester United defender Jonny Evans became the fourth player to withdraw from manager Nigel Worthington’s squad.

James Cameron's sequel to 'Avatar' will be "monumental", its lead actor Sam Worthington has claimed.

Northern Ireland have called up Port Vale forward Andrew Little for Friday’s Euro 2012 qualifier against Estonia and the clash with Italy four days later.

Sam Worthington gets tired of "running around with a gun while stuff's blowing up" in films.

John Madden directs a gripping English-language remake of the Israeli film 'Ha-Hov' about three retired Mossad agents, who come face-to-face with the spectres of the past.

Keira Knightley will take a "long time" to stop seeing Sam Worthington as "arrogant" - according to the actor himself.

After two qualifying defeats in a week, Northern Ireland’s players accept their Euro 2012 dreams are over, but have defended under-pressure manager Nigel Worthington.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington is prepared to take any flak that comes his way in the wake of last night's 4-1 humbling against Estonia.

Northern Ireland’s hopes of reaching Euro 2012 were reduced to tatters in Tallinn as a series of individual mistakes left them on the wrong end of a humbling defeat by Estonia.

Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has called up Andrew Little and Josh Carson from the Under-21s after admitting injuries and suspensions had left his squad reduced to “the very bare bones”.

Nigel Worthington expects Steven Davis to bounce back after his error dealt Northern Ireland’s hopes of reaching Euro 2012 a critical blow.

Northern Ireland 0 Serbia 1

GEORGE CLOONEY’S third directorial effort, The Ides of March, and Madonna’s second, WE, are bound for the Venice Film Festival, so the paparazzi should be out in force.

Sam Worthington would make "10" 'Avatar' films if he was asked.

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington saluted a superb showing from Pat McCourt as the Celtic winger wowed Windsor Park with a dazzling performance against the Faroe Islands.

Northern Ireland 4 Faroe Islands 0

FORMER Republic of Ireland manager Brian Kerr sympathises with Northern Ireland’s continued loss of young talent to his old side and admits players switching allegiance “doesn’t sit right” with him.

Sam Worthington is taking a career break.

Gareth McAuley has brushed aside James McClean's decision to snub Northern Ireland and says the team's Euro 2012 hopes will not be sidetracked by the issue.

Striker James McClean has confirmed his intention to switch allegiance to the Republic of Ireland after claiming he is on the verge of a move to Barclays Premier League club Sunderland.

SATURDAY

Rangers striker David Healy has been recalled to the Northern Ireland squad for next month’s Euro 2012 qualifier against the Faroe Islands, with uncapped Derry City forward James McClean also in Nigel Worthington’s 23-man group.

NORTHERN IRELAND manager Nigel Worthington would be happy for his players to make themselves available for a British team at the 2012 Olympics, despite the Irish Football Association’s opposition to the idea.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND defender Alex Bruce could be set to buck the trend of recent years by changing his international allegiance to Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington has held talks with Alex Bruce that could see the Republic of Ireland defender switch his international allegiance.

THERE is an inherent problem with origin stories.

Nigel Worthington has called for his Northern Ireland youngsters to be given a chance in the wake of criticism sparked by their 5-0 defeat by the Republic of Ireland.

Robbie Keane admitted he had been “desperate” to stay on and go for his hat-trick before being substituted following his two-goal haul in tonight’s 5-0 hammering of rivals Northern Ireland.

THE Carling Nations Cup may not have exactly heated up, but Nigel Worthington has certainly warmed up.