Northern Ireland manager Sammy McIlroy has agreed a two-year extension to his contract.
McIlroy's current deal was due to expire after the Euro 2004 qualifiers but instead he will remain in charge until December 2005.
The new agreement covers the qualifying period for the next World Cup.
The decision was announced last night by Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce after a meeting of the international committee.
In a statement the IFA revealed the committee was unanimous in their support for the manager.
Boyce said the decision would be welcomed throughout the province, which he claimed had seen a new level of determination and commitment recent performances.
The IFA's decision to back McIlroy will be seen by many as a remarkable show of faith in the former Manchester United star.
Northern Ireland are already out of the out the 2004 European Championships.
They have not won in nearly two years and have not scored in 972 minutes. But there were signs in June that things are coming together when Spain were held to a draw at Windsor Park.
McIlroy has been forced to field youngsters following the retirements of key players like Neil Lennon, Jim Magilton and Kevin Horlock.
But the former Macclesfield boss has always vowed to tough it out and see the job through.
Results may have gone against him but is enthusiasm and self-confidence has remained undimmed during a difficult and lean period.
He will lead Northern Ireland again in September when they re-group for the Euro 2004 qualifier against Ukraine in Donetsk.