Nigel Worthington is set to be handed a new contract by the Irish Football Association to extend his reign as Northern Ireland boss.

The former Norwich City supremo has impressed IFA chiefs by transforming Northern Ireland’s World Cup qualifying hopes in Group Three.

His side still have a considerable hill to climb before reaching the finals in South Africa, but after a shaky start to the campaign, Worthington has steadied the ship and given his men a fighting chance of rubbing shoulders with the big guns next summer.

Worthington’s contract expires at the end of this year and he remains committed to honouring that deal.

However, his employers are now set to reward Worthington with a fresh two-year deal — taking in the 2012 European Championship qualifying series — after a new IFA chief-executive is in place.

Northern Ireland have just won four consecutive World Cup qualifiers for the first time and the stunning run has won praise at Windsor Avenue.

IFA president Raymond Kennedy says Worthington is making the right calls and the players are responding in sensational fashion.

“To make history like this is a tremendous achievement and Nigel deserves praise,” said Kennedy.

"What I like about him is that he is a realist.

"He wants everyone to work hard and play as a team. He preaches this all the time and that's what they are doing.

"We do not have any prima donnas in the squad. Every player is a grafter, no matter which club they play for.

"I am very happy with the way things are going under Nigel and thoroughly enjoying the ride."

Northern Ireland's next qualifier is not until September when they travel to Poland, who were beaten 3-2 at Windsor Park on Saturday.