Discussions are going ahead for a revival of the Home Internationals - without England but including the Republic of Ireland.

Initial plans are to hold what has been called a 'Celtic Cup' every two years with a knock-out round followed by title match and play-off.

The first semi-finals are being sketched in for August 2009 with a final and third-place play-off in February 2010.

Scottish Football Association, the Football Association of Wales and the two Irish associations, the FAI and IFA, are all understood to be keen on the idea.

"Things are provisional, but if we could pull this off, the interest would be enormous," David Collins, the secretary of the FAW, told the Scotsman.

"For the fans, the TV companies and potential sponsors, a Celtic Cup tournament would be huge.

"And for the managers of the respective teams it would be an opportunity to look at players in competitive friendlies.

"We are quite positive about the whole thing, although we appreciate a huge amount of work is needed before it could get off the ground.

"But the Celtic countries have had a meeting about it and we each decided to go away and work out ways whereby the tournament could be possible."

England have not been excluded from discussions but, with the Football Association cool on the idea, the Football Association of Ireland were asked to consider participation

Collins added: "Their reasons for ending the old Home Internationals are well known.

"On the other hand, if we can get the tournament up and running and convince England there are practical solutions to the various issues, then they might want to become involved, anyway."  PA