The Northern Ireland manager added that he wants to see as many of his players as possible gracing the Barclays Premiership next season after
Brunt scored against West Bromwich Albion in Monday night's draw with Southampton.

The result guided the Baggies to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship, and with one game remaining and with a superior goal difference, the Premiership now beckons.

And for Worthington, the more Northern Ireland players gracing the league next season the better.

"I am delighted for Chris. He got a great move to West Brom last year, and to finish off the season with promotion and going into the Premiership proves it has been a great year for him," the international manager said.

"Also the fact that he has scored the goal that has all but secured their path to the top flight of English football is a great moment for him."

One concern for Worthington is the future of his international contingent struggling at the basement of the Premier League.

Fulham's David Healy, Chris Baird and Aaron Hughes, coupled with Birmingham City's Damien Johnson, face the prospect of relegation in the days ahead.

And with the Cottagers poised to face the Blues this weekend, dreams of retaining their Premiership status could be dead and buried..

"You want as many players in the Premier League as possible. But the situation is there so you have to wait and see what happens. I think it will sort itself out this Saturday as both teams play each other," Worthington added.

"Ideally you would like both clubs to remain in the Premiership, but maybe one of them might drop.

"As long as they are playing regularly, even if it is in the Championship, then it is not all doom and gloom.

"I am pleased that David (Healy) has been getting his opportunity at Fulham. He might not have been scoring but there has been an upturn in the club's results. I am delighted for him so let's hope his form keeps improving."

One player who continues to reap praise from his international boss is Rangers midfielder Steven Davis.

The Cullybackey man, who is currently on-loan from relegation-threatened Fulham, has blazed a trail since his arrival at Ibrox.

"Steve has been a breath of fresh air since going to Scotland. He looks like the player who started off in the Aston Villa team a couple of years back. He is a great young talent who is enjoying his football at present."