Ferguson cools 2012 talk

Alex Ferguson has played down renewed speculation that he is ready take charge of a British football team at the 2012 Olympics – joking he would merely be happy to be alive by the time of the London Games.

Key figures – including British prime minister Gordon Brown and London Organising Committee chairman Lord Sebastian Coe – have publicly courted the veteran Manchester United manager for the role.

The potential formation of a British team has stirred up controversy, with the Football Associations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales refusing to be involved for fear of losing their independent status within FIFA.

And speaking after last night’s UEFA Super Cup in Monaco, Ferguson insisted he had no intention of making firm decisions over such a distant prospect.

“I won’t involve myself in that, crikey – it’s four years away and I may not be alive then,” the 66-year-old quipped.

“That’s why I say my prayers.”