Linfield have rejected two bids from Scottish Premier League side Kilmarnock for the 24-year-old hotshot but Worthington knows a cross-channel move could enhance Thommo's international career.

The Northern Ireland manager has been true to his word in rewarding Irish League talent by selecting Linfield trio Alan Mannus, Michael Gault and Thompson as well as Glentoran's Gary Hamilton for international squads but he knows a higher standard of football would make the hitman an even better finisher.

"Peter is certainly at an age which at, from his point of view, he needs to make that breakthrough," said Worthington.

"He has been in fantastic form at Linfield but looking at things from his perspective, he would not want to stay at Linfield much longer if he wants to make it across the water.

"In any player's career you always want to play at the highest level you can and be the best player you can be. As the Northern Ireland manager I will look after my business while Linfield have to do their job as best they can and we will wait and see what develops.

"A move to a club like Kilmarnock, if it was followed by regular first team, would greatly strengthen his international claim. I know Linfield have been great to him and he is a full-time professional but the higher up the ladder you climb as a player you will learn a lot more."

Thompson has earned seven Northern Ireland caps and his first international goal arrived in the 4-1 victory over Georgia in March.