Former Blues boss Jim Magilton says he’s flattered to have been linked with the soon-to-be-vacant Northern Ireland manager’s job. Current boss Nigel Worthington will step down after Tuesday’s match in Italy.

Ex-Northern Ireland skipper Magilton said: "I would be keen to speak to the Irish Football Association - it's something I've always wanted to do, it's an ambition."

The 42-year-old says he’s "very flattered" to be mentioned as a contender but admits it’s a tough position: “It’s a very difficult job. We don't have the depth of talent playing at the highest level and that makes it so much more difficult to qualify for major tournaments.”

Magilton is currently assistant to his one-time Northern Ireland team-mate Michael O’Neill with Dublin-based Shamrock Rovers, who the duo helped to the group stages of the Europa League.

The Belfast-born ex-midfielder isn’t ruling out the duo teaming up with Northern Ireland: “Michael is doing a great job as manager of Shamrock Rovers and has a lot of good qualities.

"It's something I'd like to happen but whether it would be for him or not is something we would have to discuss.

"He maybe has his own plans so it would be a case of sitting down and talking things out. We have worked well together at Shamrock Rovers and have enjoyed limited success."

Photo: Action Images

StochesStotasBlewe added 20:35 - Oct 11 Great player for us, unfortunately, the cheap option from our board to appoint Jim as our manager when he had no experience. However, he deserves a chance to shine now, though not sure the NI job would be a good tenure for him at this moment in time.
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MattinLondon added 21:10 - Oct 11 pinewoodblueboy Agree that he deserves a chance to shine...but the cheap option? At the time we had no money for players or for wages. If I remember correctly we didn't have the luxury of choosing from a good shortlist
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