Cup call to get Scots and Irish

David Sheepshanks, former chairman of the Football League, today reopened the debate about the future of the Worthington Cup by calling for Scottish and Irish clubs to become part of the competition.

The Ipswich Town chairman said: "We need to look again at this competition which carries the allure of a UEFA Cup spot.

"I believe it is an ideal opportunity to invite Scottish and maybe even Irish clubs to compete in English football provided of course it still carries the important attraction of that UEFA Cup place."

Sheepshanks, speaking at Football Expo in Cannes, also argued that the number of televised matches needs to be reduced.

He said: "We need to limit TV coverage to ensure everything on the TV is a main event whether it be domestic competition or European.

"We need to keep our market fresh and keep television companies and fans interested."