Brian McLean played for Northern Ireland against Estonia

Fifa has ruled that Scottish-born is ineligible because the IFA did not seek permision in writing to play McLean before the defender's 21st birthday.

IFA chief executive Howard Wells said it was not an official appeal, but a plea for understanding.

He said they would have contacted the world govering body in writing if they had known that was required.

Northern Ireland officials needed to get the permission because McLean had played for the Scottish Under-17 side.

McLean earned his only full Northern Ireland cap as a second half substitute in the 1-0 home win over Estonia in March 2006.

But he had to be withdrawn from a recent Under-21 match after Fifa's ruling that he was ineligible.