Worthington hoping to convince Best to switch allegiance

COVENTRY striker Leon Best is being chased by Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington to change his allegiance from Republic of Ireland.

Best, who has enjoyed a fine season to date with Coventry, has represented Republic of Ireland at youth levels but is yet to make an appearance for the senior side.

Worthington has been alerted to Best’s possible eligibility to play for Northern Ireland and is thought to be sounding out a move for the former Southampton man.

Best, who was the subject of interest from Ipswich and Nottingham Forest during the January transfer window, has scored six goals this season and his performances have caught the attention of Worthington.

Blackburn and Birmingham are also thought to be keeping tabs on Best, while Championship hopefuls West Brom are weighing up a move for the 21-year-old if they secure promotion at the end of the season.

Best says he is in the dark over interest from Worthington, but refused to rule out a switch of allegiance.

“I have previously played for the Republic of Ireland at youth levels, but not the senior team,” Best said yesterday.

“My family come from Ireland and although I was born in England I feel very Irish.

“I have not heard anything from either side.

“I have heard the rumours about Northern Ireland, but I have heard nothing official.”

Meanwhile, former Ireland and Liverpool midfielder Jason McAteer has joined League Two club Chester City as a coach.

The 36-year-old has been out of football since hanging up his boots up at Tranmere Rovers last May where he had been acting as a player-coach at the Merseyside club before leaving in May.

“He’s just a different voice who can freshen things up on the coaching side of things,” said Chester manager Bobby Williamson.

“He’s sitting his coaching exams and we felt we could help him with that.

“My assistant manager Jimmy Bone and I have been assessors in Scotland.”