Nigel Worthington says it was always his intention to remain as Northern Ireland manager and not return to domestic football.

The former Norwich City boss has verbally agreed a new deal with the Irish Football Association that will run for the length of the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign. Worthington was tipped to join Sheffield Wednesday, where he was a player, but instead he will extend his stay with the province after arriving in June 2007.

He told Press Association Sport: "My name was linked with Sheffield Wednesday but there was never any contact with them. My focus was to try and sort out the situation with Northern Ireland. Thankfully I have done that.

"I am delighted to get the contract verbally agreed - it was quite quick, a month from start to finish. The discussions went very smoothly. I am now looking to build on what we have done over the past two-and-a-half years and introduce some young players into the group as well."

My focus was to try and sort out the situation with Northern Ireland. Thankfully I have done that.

Worthington admitted his decision to remain at the helm stemmed from events near the end of the FIFA World Cup™ qualifying campaign, involving three senior players. Long-serving captain Aaron Hughes as well as goalkeeper Maik Taylor and Stephen Craigan all stated they wanted to continue in the colours after a chat with the manager.

Worthington said: "Did that influence my decision to stay on? The two things go hand in hand. It is most important to have those three players around. They bring experience and excellence, which leads the way for others."

Northern Ireland have proved difficult to beat under Worthington, who replaced Lawrie Sanchez after the latter joined Fulham. The province finished fourth in their FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign after leading the way at one stage.

IFA president Raymond Kennedy believes they are making good progress under Worthington. He said: "Nigel is a very experienced coach. I have no doubt that he will be able to build on the work he has already done and will take us forward in the EURO 2012 campaign.

"He is a gentleman who has passion and pride. Nigel has always shown a great interest in the work of all the departments of the association (from) grassroots football to the domestic game as well as all the international teams. I fully believe that we have made the right decision in reappointing Nigel Worthington."