Wembley clash with England on the cards for Republic

THE Republic of Ireland look set to be invited to play England at Wembley in 2013 to mark the Football Association’s 150th anniversary, possibly as part of an extended ‘home internationals’ championship.

The FA announced plans to invite Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland to take part in one-off matches in two years time, partly inspired by the unveiling of Vauxhall, the car manufacturer that is expected to agree sponsorship deals with all four nations, as a new front line sponsor.

However the Irish Examiner has now learned an approach has also been made to the FAI setting up the possibility of a five-team tournament if agreement can be reached between the associations.