The Belfast Telegraph revealed on Monday morning that the Northern Ireland boss is on a shortlist to become the new boss at the Walker's Satdium.

And although Worthington denied that there had been any contact from the club, the saga surrounding the Foxes managerial post took a new twist yesterday when the expected unveiling of the new man was delayed.

The fact that Worthington was in Belfast to officially welcome the new Northern Ireland under-21, under-19 and under-17 coaches may have had something to do with that, with Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric saying that he hopes to be in a position to make an announcement before the end of the week.

"As far as Lecister City is concerned I will not be answering any questions on that," Worthington told the press conference at which he welcomed Leicester Academy coach Steve Beaglehole to the under-21 and under-19 posts, with Paul Kee as under-17 manager.

"I do not discuss rumours at will. I don't want to waste my time and energy on such a situation.

"I am fully focused on the job in hand. I will not answer any questions on the Leicester City rumours and that's all it is."

Worthington worked under Mandriac as caretaker boss at the Walkers Stadium.

Meanwhile, midfield playmaker Sammy Clingan last night insisted he turned his back on a new deal with Nottingham Forest because he believes he can gain promotion to the Premier League with Norwich City.

Clingan, a Northern Ireland international who spent two years at the City Ground, has agreed to join the Canaries from July 1 on a Bosman and signed a two-year contract.

He said: "I'm really looking forward to helping Norwich battle in the Championship and try and gain promotion to the Premier League. I see no reason why we can't.

"Leaving Forest was a huge decision for me but once I spoke to manager Glenn Roeder and viewed the fantastic facilities at the club, it really was an easy decsion to make.

"I'm well aware of Glenn's reputation of working with big name players in the Premier League and hopefully he will help me become a better player too."