Northern Ireland have announced that manager Nigel Worthington has signed a new two-year deal to lead the side until 2010.

Former international defender Worthington took over as caretaker boss from Lawrie Sanchez in the second half of the ultimately unsuccessful Euro 2008 qualifying campaign but impressed by pushing Spain and Sweden all the way.

Worthington, a 66-cap veteran for his country, had been operating on a short-term contract but has been renegotiating terms since that expired in November and will now oversee the 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

The former Norwich boss was among the IFA's delegation to Bratislava on Wednesday as their fixture list was determined and he has already started making plans.

Northern Ireland's qualification begins with an away game against Slovakia on September 6, followed by the visit of the Czech Republic to Windsor Park four days later.

The side will play two away and two home games in 2008 with the remaining games being played between February and October next year.

Eurosport