Worthy warns players to behave

Coach unhappy with bookings in Montenegro friendly

Last updated: 3rd September 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Worthy warns players to behave

Worthington: Has spoken to squad

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Nigel Worthington has urged his Northern Ireland players to behave on the pitch ahead of the opening Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia.

The Northern Ireland coach was unhappy with the bookings picked up by Kyle Lafferty and Martin Paterson in last month's friendly defeat by Montenegro.

Worthington has discussed the situation with his squad and does not want to see his players let their standards slip.

"It was straightforward, black and white," said Worthington.

"Behave yourself on the pitch and off the pitch and I am very happy. If you don't, I will take action, simple as that.

"Maybe they dropped their guard a little bit (in Montenegro), relaxed a little bit and thought, 'Well, I'll have a moan rather than getting on with the game'. That's not how we work."

Enthusiastic

He added: "They have been terrific, they are a great group to work with and I will stand with them through thick and thin.

"I've had the pleasure of playing for and managing the country, that gives you great pride. When I turn up I'm like a baby with a new toy and sometimes too enthusiastic for the players.

"They are doing it every day whereas I am in three or four days every four or five weeks, so I want to get as much coaching in as possible.

"You've got to have the enthusiasm, the drive. I'm the leader of the team, I've got to set the mantle for them."