Worthington hits out at IFA’s contract hardball

NORTHERN IRELAND boss Nigel Worthington has warned the Irish Football Association they must take a more “professional” approach to discussions over his new contract.

Worthington has made no secret of his desire to sign a new deal with Northern Ireland as he looks to plot a path to the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

But the former Norwich boss, who was originally handed a deal until the end of the ultimately unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, admits he is surprised by the IFA’s very public approach to negotiations.