Ireland may be part of expanded ‘Home Internationals’

THE Republic of Ireland could be involved in a revised and expanded ‘Home Internationals’ tournament within a couple of years.

The FA in London are currently in talks about hosting and reviving the tournament which was last contested by England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland in 1984.

However, it’s understood that, for the first time, an invitation has been extended to the FAI to participate in a new ‘five nations’ version, perhaps to be held as early as 2013. Part of the attraction for Ireland, Scotland and Wales is that the FA are dangling the promise of travelling to Dublin, Glasgow and Cardiff for separate friendlies as part of the package.

Ironically, FAI chief executive John Delaney has previously revealed that England were asked to participate when plans were being drawn up for the forthcoming Carling Nations Cup in Dublin but, he said, “they declined to be involved at that stage.”

Now, the initiative has come from the other side and, while it is expected that the Irish would accept the offer, it’s being stressed that discussions are only at a preliminary stage.

There are, obviously, implications for the Carling Nations Cup — involving the Republic, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales — which kicks off at the Aviva Stadium next month, but sources point out that the contracts for that tournament were for one year only, with options for any further tournaments in the future subject to discussion. It had already been made clear that there would be no re-running of the tournament in 2012.

Meanwhile, talks about the Republic’s possible involvement in a Home Internationals tournament are entirely separate from what are being described as “on-going discussions” to bring England to the Aviva Stadium in Dublin for a friendly game.

Car giant Vauxhall, due to be unveiled as new England sponsors with a record-breaking deal, are understood to have been the key movers behind a planned revival of the home internationals and want it in place as soon as next season.

Vauxhall are also poised to complete further sponsorships with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland within the next week as part of a campaign to become the driving force of football across the UK.

The Scottish FA said yesterday that they would welcome any discussions which might take place about the revival of a home nations tournament.

An SFA spokesperson said: “We haven’t been consulted about any revival of a home nations tournament including England and we haven’t been part of any consultation group. It is an interesting idea and we would obviously hope to be part of any discussions should the opportunity come along.”