Doyle backs 'Celtic Cup'

Republic of Ireland striker Kevin Doyle has backed plans to bring back the Home Internationals in the shape of a new tournament. Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are understood to be willing to take part in the new competition, the Celtic Cup, which is likely to begin in February and end in May.

England have yet to confirm whether they will take part in the tournament, which would be held every two years. None of the British teams or the Republic qualified for the Euro 2008 finals next summer and Reading striker Doyle was happy for the Celtic Cup to fill in gaps that would otherwise have been taken up by friendlies against continental opposition.

He said: 'It would be good all right but a tough one to police though. I wouldn't want to organise that. And if it was five nations it would probably go on longer than the European Championships.

'If it was a knock-out tournament with a final that would be a great idea - quarter-final, semi-final, final - and a very interesting end to the season.

'We might be second favourites with Scotland but the way they are playing they would probably be favourites now. They have played some great football.'

Doyle also believed it would be understandable if England did not take part as many of their top stars were already suffering from a fixture overload.

He said: 'For the English players the break will do them good. The top players like Steven Gerrard have been playing in Champions League finals and playing for England without ever seeming to get more than a week or two off as they are back for pre-season. Being off over the summer will do them the world of good.'

The old Home Championship, which was staged every year until 1984, featured matches between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland but was eventually scrapped because of increasing fixture congestion. Northern Ireland were the last winners.