IFA may have to look at other options

The Irish Football Association (IFA) today admitted they are looking at their long-term options even though Lawrie Sanchez - appointed caretaker boss of Fulham until the end of the season - intends to see out his contract with Northern Ireland.

The former Wycombe manager takes over following the sacking last night of Chris Coleman.

IFA chief executive Howard Wells told PA Sport: "Lawrie wants to make it absolutely clear he remains committed to Northern Ireland.

"We do not have any contingency plans in place but any self-respecting organisation is going to be looking at what may or may not happen.

"We are thinking about our options were Lawrie to stay or go, assuming there may be offers for him.

"You would be foolish to think he would resign one day and you would find somebody the next."

Under Sanchez's stewardship Northern Ireland have shot up the world rankings.

They are in with a good chance of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time in more than 20 years.

They now lead Group F in the Euro 2008 qualifiers and are in with a good chance of qualifying for a major tournament for the first time in more than 20 years.

Sanchez's contract expires at the end of the campaign and his stock is rising.

Wells said: "People are getting hot under the collar about the whole thing (with Fulham).

"The reality of life is he has an opportunity. This sort of thing was going to come at some stage or another.

"You have to deal with it and that is what we are doing. Those people who thought this was not going to happen are naïve "

Sanchez might consider managing both club and country if his short spell at Fulham is successful and they avoid relegation.

He is clear of international commitments until August when Northern Ireland restart their qualifying campaign at home against Liechtenstein.

Wells said: "We will be talking to Fulham again at the end of the season to see where we are.

"While this situation came out of the blue, they approached us properly.

"All you can do is respond. It would have been churlish not to agree to allow him to do it."

Sanchez is due to meet the Fulham players for the first time tomorrow when he will take training.

Then he will finalise preparations for his first match in charge, against Reading, on Saturday.