Belfast, Northern Ireland (Best E Casino) - Northern Ireland manager Lawrie Sanchez was given a contract extension Friday that will keep the two parties united until the end of the 2007 campaign.

Sanchez, who is preparing his team for Saturday's World Cup qualifier against England, has led the international squad since January 2004.

However, all news is not positive heading into the match at Old Trafford, as assistant manager Gerry Armstrong was injured in a car crash. Armstrong suffered bruising to the face when his vehicle was hit from behind by a taxi cab, but returned to the team on Friday.

Northern Ireland is in fourth place of the UEFA Group 6 table with just three points through four matches.