Best calls for Ireland united

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2005

LONDON (AFP) — Northern Ireland great George Best has called for a unified national team.

Northern Ireland, who have plummeted outside the top 100 in the FIFA world rankings, face England at Old Trafford in a World Cup qualifier this weekend.

And the 58-year-old Best believes it would be better if a combined Ireland side - along the lines of the rugby side who compete in the Six Nations Championship - was taking on England.

"I've always thought that at any given time both the Republic and Northern Ireland have had some great world-class players," Best said on Radio Five Live.

"I just believe in trying something. If it doesn't work, at least you've tried. I still hope that in my lifetime it happens.

"Why not have a go at it? See what it's...