Best calls for 'Ireland United'

George Best has called on the football authorities north and south of the border to join together and create a unified national team.

The Northern Irish legend believes Ireland could be a force in world football if the two countries pooled their resources.

Best, 58, is sure to be an interested spectator this Saturday when Northern Ireland face England at Old Trafford in a World Cup qualifier.

But he would rather it was a combined Ireland side – along the lines of the rugby side who compete in the RBS 6 Nations Championship – taking on England.

“I’ve always thought that at any given time both the Republic and Northern Ireland have had some great world-class players,” said Best.

“I just believe in trying something. If it doesn’t work, at least you’ve tried. I still hope that in my lifetime it happens. Why not have a go at it? See what it’s like.”

Such a move would be politically controversial and may face FIFA opposition, given that both nations have their own unique identity.

It would inevitably also be a thorny issue for both the Northern Ireland FA and the Football Association of Ireland, who might be required to merge in order for the unified team to become a reality.