Worthington welcomes British football team

Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington said he has no problems with his players representing a Great Britain team at the London Olympics.

Worthington’s view is in direct opposition to the Irish Football Association’s stance on the idea of having a combined team at the 2012 event.

“I understand players wanting to play in an Olympics and they shouldn’t be criticised for that but I also understand the Irish FA position,” Worthington told the Belfast Telegraph.

“As an international manager I would have no problem with players wanting to be involved.”

The bodies governing Welsh, Scottish and Irish football have voiced their disapproval of the British Olympic Association’s move to have a combined Great Britain team at the London Games.

The IFA’s opposition to the plan stems from their view that a united Great Britain team would bring Northern Ireland’s independence under FIFA into question.

“It is not an issue that I am really involved in as it’s a matter for the associations and they have made their positions clear,” Worthington said.

Rangers midfielder Gregg Wylde, 20, said he welcomed the opportunity to play for British team.

“I wouldn’t mind to be honest. If I do get called up to Team GB team it would be good for me and my career ahead,” Wylde said.