October 5 – Scotland manager Walter Smith (pictured) has reiterated his support for a British football team at the London Olympics in 2012 despite his own national association claiming they want nothing to do with it.
“I am sure, if it (a British team) ever came around, the players would be keen,” said Smith. “The Olympics are a fantastic event – the biggest in the world. “
FIFA president Sepp Blatter claimed a team from the United Kingdom would be allowed to play in the Games and not jeopardise the current individual identity enjoyed by England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, although the Scottish Football Association remain against the idea in principle.
But the British Olympic Association will push ahead with a UK team for the London Games even without the support of the Scottish and Welsh FAs.
“Scotland is inclined to be insular,” said Smith. “But, if Great Britain had a team in it, I am sure any player worth his salt would want to be picked.
“It would be terrific for them to show their talents on that stage. I am sure footballers would have as much pride in playing for Britain as they would for their own individual country.”