Sorry Levein - But It's 'No Show Without Punch'!

Last updated : 02 October 2010 By Footy Mad - Editor

How the hell Nigerian-born Ameobi has links with Bonny Scotland is anyone's guess.

So where is this story taking us, I hear you ask?

Well Craig Levein was in Dublin yesterday for the draw for the inaugural international tournament - 'the Carling Nations Cup' - which features Scotland, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Wales .... but NOT England!

However, Levein claims the competition will still have the "integrity" to make it a worthwhile exercise, despite the English knocking back the kind offer.

In the first round of fixtures, which all take place in Dublin, the Republic of Ireland will play Wales on Tuesday, February 8 with Scotland playing Northern Ireland the next night.

Two more rounds of fixtures will take place after the end of the domestic season.

Craig Levein: "The very nature of the situation means there is never going to be perfect harmony.

"There has to be the compromise and understanding that we work together and that is, at times, extremely difficult.

"I have been there as a club manager, I know how difficult it is.

"There is a chance I would have had a friendly in February anyway but this tournament will have integrity.

"It goes back to the idea of the Home Internationals which had a competitive element.

"This will be akin to a competitive match and that is important to me.

"I know England aren't in it but there will be quite a lot of interest in these games.

"I will looking to play my strongest team but if there are call-offs or injuries then there are players in the under-21s or in between the under-21s and the full team - what I call the Twilight Zone - who could get an opportunity.

"I could name a dozen players who I am desperate to see playing in a full international. So from my point of view, this is a good tournament."