Celtic Cup - a step forward

Celtic Cup proposals take shape

Plans for a Celtic Cup featuring Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland have taken another step forward.
Representatives from the four national associations met in Cardiff on Monday.

And Scottish FA chief executive Gordon Smith told the Daily Mail: "We are getting some answers on the issues surrounding a tournament like this.

"It could even start in 2008 or the year after at the latest - if we all reach agreement."

England were not interested in a return to the Home Internationals Championship, which was abandoned in 1984.

And the latest meeting failed to iron out whether the format will be a knockout competition or a league system.

"There is debate taking place but there are positive vibes from the four countries involved," Smith continued.

"Friendly dates from Fifa are available in August, November and February, so those could be used.

"And it could be every two years to keep space for other friendlies.

"We are getting answers and we will meet again in a few weeks."

Smith also confirmed that Scotland manager Alex McLeish liked the idea.

"I have spoken with Alex McLeish and we are keen," said Smith.

"One of the attractions is the semi-competitive nature of it after our success at the Kirin Cup in Japan last year."



Not sure what to make of this, it would be nice to have some more competetive games but imho our players need more experience against different type of opposition, eg when we played Bulgaria how would a game v N Ireland prepare us for Slovakia which the Bulgar match clearly did.

Why is England not invited for it? THey should have called the "Britsh Islands without England cup"

Pretty insultive to England imo.

england have been approached about re-commencing the home championships they didn't want to know so the other 3 approached the RoI and said they were interested hence the format

Don't see the point in it myself, these teams play friendlies against each other on occasions anyway. I seem to remember a match between Wales and Scotland a few years ago. As Frank says sometimes you need to test yourself in friendlies with similar opposition to what you will face competively down the line.

England will want big fixtures from now on to draw people into Wembley and help pay the bills.

in fairness these matches would draw crowds in, even if there were more sweaties than english, poss same with the welsh. yeah we've played NI recently and beat the sweaties 4-0 at home a few years ago. i really not sure about it, but time will tell if its a group over 2 years prob wont change a lot tbh

This is a $h!t idea, the only interesting game in the old home internationals was Scotland-England.

The FA are a joke. A chance for some friendlies aginst Scotland and Wales.