On Tuesday morning, Irish Football Association president Jim Boyce floated the idea of a re-launch of the home nations international competition.

Boyce has been approached by a "major sponsor" with a view to re-establishing a competition last played in 1984.

He also said that he planned to ask IFA general-secretary David Bowen to bring the proposal to the next meeting of the British Association in the Spring.

However within a matter of hours, Bowen had firmly rejected the idea.

The IFA secretary said attempts to bring back the tournament would be "futile".

Boyce over-optimistic

"Sadly England and Scotland would not want to play Northern Ireland and Wales if there is a chance of playing superior opposition.

"I know how much effort was made (by England and Scotland) to kill off the championship after 90 years.

"Jim is being a bit optimistic in hoping that the competition might be resurrected," added Bowen.

Northern Ireland won the 1984 event but it was then discontinued because of lack of interest from the English and Scottish FAs.

Scotland manager Craig Brown gave a lukewarm response to Boyce's comments.

"I'm not sure we would learn too much from playing the other British teams on a regular basis,'' said the Scottish boss.

The English FA are also unlikely to be overly-enthusiastic about the proposal.

TV potential

Boyce has not yet contacted the other British associations but he insists the idea has "great potential".

"I believe TV companies would be very interested in seeing a return of the British Championship.

"The competition could be fitted into existing Fifa and Uefa friendly international dates.

"The public are largely turned off by international friendlies as the attendance figures show again and again.