NI reject Norwich Worthington bid

Nigel Worthington will not be returning as Norwich City manager

The Irish Football Association has refused Norwich permission to speak to Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington about a return to Carrow Road.

When approached by Norwich on Thursday, IFA president Raymond Kennedy said he wanted Worthington to stay and honour his contract as international boss.

The Championship club have accepted this and will continue their search for Glenn Roeder's successor.

"I am happy to focus on a job I am enjoying," Worthington told BBC Sport.

"I spoke to the president about the situation and we are both happy that it was in the best interests of the association and myself that any offer from Norwich be rejected.

"I had a successful time at Norwich although the last six months were a bit hairy when tough times hit.

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"I still live in north Norfolk but I have done the Norwich job and have now moved on and am really enjoying my role with Northern Ireland."

Worthington, who has a contract as Northern Ireland until the end of the current qualifying campaign, was in charge of Norwich for almost six years until he was sacked in 2006.

Roeder was dismissed as Norwich boss on Wednesday following their 1-0 FA Cup defeat by Charlton.