Worthington: Nations Cup is doomed

The Carling Nations Cup should be scrapped, according to Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington.

Worthington’s side finished last place in the four nations tournament after a 2-0 defeat to Wales in front of 2,100 in Dublin on Friday.

Northern Ireland have lost all three games and conceded 10 goals, without scoring.

“Not for me, and the fact I didn’t win any games is irrelevant,” Worthington said, when asked if he thought the tournament was doomed.

“I would like those three international dates for friendlies I want to play, for the style of our qualifiers.”

Wales dominated and secured Gary Speed’s first victory as manager with goals from captain Aaron Ramsey and substitute Rob Earnshaw.

Speed has also been disappointed with the tournament’s schedule that forced his side to play twice in the space of 48 hours.

“It’s been a difficult week in terms of planning and preparing but that is what you have to deal with. It was a good test.”