Republic of Ireland Could be invited into "Home Internationals Comp.."

**holidaysong** · 10/02/2005, 4:18 PM

Plans to resurrect the Home Internationals could founder because of a crowded fixture list, the English Football Association has warned.

Northern Ireland will raise the possibility at the next meeting of the four home associations.

But FA executive director David Davies told BBC Sport: "In principle, we have absolutely no objection.

"But the issue is where on earth we can sit games like that into the international calendar?"

The Scottish FA has also welcomed in principal the Irish Football Association's idea of a knockout competition involving England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

And the Republic of Ireland could even be invited to take part, should England decline.

More at www.bbc.co.uk/football

**Eire06** · 10/02/2005, 4:20 PM

Originally Posted by holidaysong

www.bbc.co.uk/football

Well just hope if we do play england it doesn't turn out like the hassle in '96

**gspain** · 10/02/2005, 10:44 PM

Is this meant to be good news?

We're playing friendlies against Holland, Portugal, Italy and Brazil so we should play Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland instead.

Anyway I can't see it happening.

**Closed Account 2** · 10/02/2005, 11:04 PM

I'd like to see us play Wales in the Millenium when LR is being rebuilt. Theyre not a bad side, esp. at home. They only got about 16k for their game on Wednesday so it would be a good chance for our fans to see us. Theyre fans are usually pretty decent too so I dont think there would be a problem in that aspect.

**4tothefloor** · 11/02/2005, 9:45 PM

I'd hate to play England, or any of the 'home' nations, every other year. For me it would become too regular and would take away from the tension of any competitive games against these sides in the future.

**Adrianovic** · 12/02/2005, 1:23 PM

I don't see why Ireland should be invited as an afterthought anyway. We're ranked miles above those other pesky lot. Although I see the fact England fit into the home nations more than Ireland.

I agree with the concensus that we can do much better organising our own friendlies, and not playing some watered down competition. Our players will learn more against the continental flair of Portugal or the skills of World Champions Brazil, than having lumps kicked out of them on a cold Wednesday night in Scotland.

Ade