Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has decided that the game against Italy on Tuesday night will be his last in charge.

The former Norwich City boss was appointed Northern Ireland manager on 1 June 2007.

'I have had four and a half fantastic years working with the Irish Football Association and a lot of hard work has been put in by many people over this time to help improve Northern Ireland football,' said Nigel.

'I feel it is only right to give the Association and players the opportunity and time to move forward and that is why I have decided that Tuesday night's game will be my last in charge.

'It has been a pleasure and I would like to wish the Irish Football Association all the best for the future; and to the supporters who have been fantastic throughout.

'I understand their frustration over the last three games; but when you look at the incident in the Serbia game and the game away to Estonia, and then the game at home against Estonia, this is the fine line in football.'

Nigel added: 'I would like to say a big thank to the Irish FA for their support. It is a fantastic organisation with many good people doing a great job for Northern Ireland football.

'I would like to give a special thanks to the President, Jim Shaw and the Chief Executive, Patrick Nelson for their ongoing support to help take Northern Ireland football forward.'

Irish FA President, Jim Shaw said: 'I appreciate Nigel's decision on this matter and on behalf of the Association I would like to thank him for all the effort he has put in over his four and half years to maintain and improve all elements of football at the Irish Football Association.

'Both personally and on behalf of the Association I would like to wish Nigel all the very best for the future.'