Hunt for NI boss hots up

The Irish Football Association’s international committee are due to reconvene tonight and take a step nearer to appointing a new Northern Ireland manager.

A short list is expected to be ratified and the candidates invited for interview.

Dunfermline number two Jimmy Nicholl appears to be the clear favourite to succeed Sammy McIlroy.

Former Northern Ireland assistant manager Gerry Armstrong and ex-Wycombe boss Lawrie Sanchez are thought to be in the frame.

Current under-21 coach Roy Millar is also known to be keen on the role.

The IFA could also debate whether the job will be full-time or part-time.

McIlroy decided to leave for Stockport at the end of the Euro 2004 qualifying campaign, which saw them finish bottom of the group.

The new manager’s first match in charge is likely to be on February 19 when Northern Ireland face Norway in a friendly at Windsor Park.