‘Writing on the wall’ for Worthington

Former Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez believes the team have gone backwards under Nigel Worthington and claims the “writing is on the wall” for his successor following Tuesday’s 4-1 defeat against Estonia.

Blunders at the back gifted the hosts victory in the Group C clash in Tallinn that effectively ended Northern Ireland’s hopes of a Euro 2012 play-off place. Worthington said after the match he was braced for the criticism that would come his way, and there was certainly plenty of that coming from Sanchez.

Sanchez, who reiterated his desire to return to the role one day, said: “Nigel has had enough cracks at it. Everybody sees the writing is on the wall. He is not doing an exceptional job. It’s not happening. It has got worse rather than better. Everybody realises it is time for a change.”

The 51-year-old, who guided Northern Ireland to a high of 27th before stepping down to take over as Fulham manager in 2007, added: “I have always said I would like to finish what I started. I would like to return to Northern Ireland in the future.”

Lapses from keeper Lee Camp and defender Gareth McAuley were responsible for two of Estonia’s four goals, their only consolation coming when Raio Piiroja put the ball past his own keeper.