Minster for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe hopes the possible revival of home internationals could lead to a British team playing at the 2012 Olympics.The failure of any of the home nations to qualify for Euro 2008 has led to calls for a tournament featuring the rivals to be introduced next year.

Sutcliffe believes the competition could pave the way for a team to represent Great Britain at London 2012.

"I hope the home nations matches would lead to a possible British team playing at the Olympics in 2012," he told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"We're hosting the Olympics in 2012 and it would be fantastic for male and female teams to represent Great Britain.

"If Scotland and Wales don't want that, we have suggested home nations games next year to help come up with a framework."

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