New deal for McIlroy

Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy has agreed a two-year extension to his contract.

McIlroy’s current deal was due to expire after the Euro 2004 qualifiers but instead he will remain in charge until December 2005.

The new agreement covers the qualifying period for the next World Cup.

The decision was announced tonight by Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce after a meeting of the international committee.

In a statement the IFA revealed the committee was unanimous in their support for the manager.

Boyce said the decision would be welcomed throughout the province, which he claimed had seen a new level of determination and commitment recent performances.