After ending the self-imposed exile of West Ham's George McCartney in midweek, Worthy is now ready to turn his diplomatic skills to solving the disputed issue of kid Gibson's football nationality.

Worthington will today begin preparing his team for Wednesday's vital European qualifying match against Liechtenstein at Windsor Park, ready to offer the reluctant teenager, who last year insisted he didn't want to play for Northern Ireland, the chance to save his international career.

And in doing so, join a progressive team who are in a great position to reach the Euro 2008 finals.

Londonderry-born Gibson, wanted by both associations, is awaiting a FIFA decision on which country their rules make him eligible to represent.

The 19-year-old, claimed by the Republic because he holds an Irish passport, has played the majority of his under-age international football with the south after switching allegiances because of a fall-out with Northern Ireland under-16 coaches over a trial at Man United.

The holding midfielder, who can also operate as a defender, is yet to make his senior international debut but was selected as a substitute by Steve Staunton for the Republic's European qualifying victory over San Marino in February.

And it is understood Staunton sees Gibson, winner of Man United's prestigious 'Jimmy Murphy Award' in May 2006 for being the best Academy player, as an integral part of the Republic's future.

However Worthington is preparing to welcome him into the Northern Ireland international set-up after holding a number of telephone conversations with Gibson since he was appointed manager on June 1.

Worthington told Sunday Life: "I'm looking forward to Darron playing for Northern Ireland.

"He's been born in the North so I think it's only right that the place of birth is the country that you play for."

Worthington's view is shared by Irish FA Chief Executive Howard Wells who is adamant, under FIFA rules, that the Londonderry lad does not qualify to play for a team currently sitting third in Group D behind Germany and the Czech Republic.

Article 15 of the FIFA Statues states that qualification to play international football depends on one of four criteria being fulfilled:

lThe player was born on the territory of the relevant Association.

lHis biological mother or biological father was born on the territory of the relevant Association.

lHis grandmother or grandfather was born on the territory of the relevant Association.

lHe has lived continuously for at least two years on the territory of the relevant Association.

Gibson ticks all those boxes - for Northern Ireland.

On that basis, Irish FA chiefs and boss Worthington fully expect FIFA to rule that Gibson is ineligible to play for the Republic and are eagerly awaiting the decision.

If the ruling comes through in the next 10 days, Gibson could even be called into the squad to face Latvia and Iceland at the start of next month. Worthington, operating a clean slate policy, is as keen as that to bolster his squad with every available top flight player in a determined bid to get us to our first Euro finals next summer.

Wells says: "I've written as recently as last week to FIFA again, asking them to clarify the situation regarding the player's eligibility.

"They haven't responded but I know that the ball is in the court of the FAI.

"FIFA have written to the FA of Ireland and they haven't had a response.

"When I wrote to FIFA, I obviously made it clear that we need clarification on the whole principle of the situation."

When contacted by Sunday Life for their response to the IFA claims, an FAI spokesman e-mailed us back the reply: "As this matter is the subject of ongoing correspondence the Football Association of Ireland will not be making any public comment at this time."

A statement, perhaps, on how sensitive the issue is viewed at Merrion Square.

But, despite him declaring for the Republic, Worthington remains a Gibson fan and insists he would be welcomed with open arms into the Northern Ireland football family.

There's already one friendly face in Worthy's squad - Gibson's Old Trafford team-mate and pal Jonny Evans who joined him on loan from Manchester United to Royal Antwerp in Belgium last season.

Worthy revealed: "I've spoken to Darron on two or three different occasions emphasising that I would like his availability to play for Northern Ireland clarified.

"I've also emphasised very strongly how much I would like him to be involved with us whether it be with the under-21's or the senior squad.

"I want him involved with Northern Ireland and it's a situation that has to be resolved.

"We await clarification and when FIFA make the ruling, hopefully Darron can get on with playing his international football with Northern Ireland."

Windsor Avenue Chief Executive Wells has enjoyed a decent working relationship with the FAI and is at pains to stress that the Irish FA's protests to FIFA regarding Gibson's eligibility to play for the Republic are not personal.

Wells argues it is a matter of principle and it is believed the Irish FA also plan to ask FIFA to investigate whether Alex Bruce, son of Birmingham City boss Steve, whose grandmother was born in Bangor, Co Down, is eligible to play for Stephen Staunton's men, as claimed.

Also under scrutiny are former Northern Ireland under-age players Tony Kane and Crewe Alexandra midfielder Michael O'Connor

Wells says: "This is an issue to do with player eligibility according to FIFA's own rules. It's a shame that Darron Gibson has become the focal point of this.

"But really it's about the principle that needs to be resolved, based on player eligibility, so that it is applied consistently."