Worthington fully focused on game

World Cup 2010 qualifying Group Three: N Ireland v San Marino
Venue: Windsor Park Date: Wednesday, 15 October Kick-off: 1945 BST Coverage: Radio Ulster MW, BBC Radio 5 live sports extra and the BBC Sport website

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Worthington must plan without defender Jonny Evans

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington says the sacking of IFA chief executive Howard Wells will not deflect his squad from their task of beating San Marino.

"For anyone to lose their job is not good but these things happen and we are well aware of that," said Worthington.

"That situation has nothing to do with me or the squad, it's for the president and the Association to deal with.

"We are fully focused on the job in hand and we are approaching it in an ultra-professional manner."

"The players are fully focused on the game as it is an important one - we know what we are going to do and we have worked on that," added the NI manager ahead of Wednesday night's crucial World Cup qualifier in Belfast.

"Losing a player of Jonny Evans' calibre through suspension is a blow, and we have other regulars missing through injury, so we are getting down to the bare bones.

"But the spirit in the camp is good, the players are working hard and we hope to get an early goal to settle everyone down.

"There are no easy games in world football and whether it is 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0, all we want is to get three points on the board.

"We are looking for another good display as we have had some good performances but not the results to go with them.

"We are ready and prepared and will go into the match with the right mentality.

"They'll get a lot of men behind the ball and make it difficult for us but we'll have to break them down.

"If we play well and get a little bit of the rub of the green we are capable of winning and getting the points."

Worthington will not divulge his side until nearer to kick-off but did say that he wanted to "play people in positions where they are comfortable so I will try and limit any changes as much as possible".