O’Neill is in the frame as Worthington calls it a day

FORMER Dundee United and Hibernian player Michael O’Neill, who has performed heroics as manager of Shamrock Rovers, has emerged as a strong candidate for the Northern Ireland job, which will be vacated by Nigel Worthington after the country play their final 2012 qualifier in Italy tonight.

Portadown-born O’Neill was formerly in charge of Brechin City but, since crossing the Irish Sea, he has made history by guiding Shamrock Rovers, who play in the Republic of Ireland’s Airtricty League, into the group stages of the Europa League.

The 42-year old, who won 33 caps for Northern Ireland, led Rovers to the title last year – their first championship since 1994 – and they lead this season’s league with three fixtures remaining.

Iain Dowie would also welcome the chance to talk to the Irish Football Association, while Lawrie Sanchez, who preceded Worthington in the job, is interested in making a return.

Former Charlton and Crystal Palace manager Dowie said: “I believe my CV stands up to scrutiny and if the IFA want to have a conversation with me I would be happy to do that. I have played for Northern Ireland and I would never turn my back on them.”

Dowie impressed in charge of Crystal Palace, winning an unlikely promotion to the top flight but proving unable to save them from relegation. It is understood the IFA would welcome his application, while they are also likely to run the rule over O’Neill and his caretaker assistant Jim Magilton.

Worthington admitted recent results had left him no option but to stand down. In charge since Sanchez walked away in 2007 to take over at Fulham, Worthington has been under increasing pressure in recent weeks after a home defeat to Serbia was followed by back-to-back losses against Estonia. They face the Azzurri lying fifth in Group C, ahead of only the Faroe Islands.

Some supporters produced banners and called for Worthington’s head after Friday’s 2-1 defeat to the Estonians, while Sanchez made some scathing remarks about his successor in a recent radio interview.

A handful of senior players, including Chris Baird, Chris Brunt, Maik Taylor and David Healy, rallied around the boss, insisting he should be retained by the Irish Football Association when his existing deal expired on December 31, but Worthington conceded his time had come.

Addressing a press conference only minutes after informing the squad of his decision, Worthington said: “The situation is that as from tomorrow night I will step down as manager of the national team. Up until three games to go we were in a very good position but, through no one’s fault, sometimes the game of football throws you a raw hand.

“I feel the time has come after four and a half years, which have been fantastic for me as an individual. Sometimes when you try to get blood out of a stone there’s only so much you can get.”