SCOTLAND have agreed "in principle" to joining a biennial Celtic Cup series with Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales from 2009.

The announcement came on the Irish FA website, saying; "The first tournament will be in 2009 with home and away games rotated from one tournament to the next and each team playing three matches per tournament.

"Commercial arrangements and fixture dates are now being finalised."

The news follows calls for a return of the Home Internationals after the four British teams and Ireland failed to qualify for Euro 2008.

The FA say they will discuss an informal approach from the SFA to meet Scotland at Wembley in May. The FA need funds and have two May dates to fill. Sandy Stewart is set to quit St Johnstone to join new Burnley boss Owen Coyle. Saints are expected to announce Derek McInnes as Coyle's successor today. Former Hearts boss John Robertson has been given time off at Derry City to sort out personal issues. Killie midfielder Allan Johnston doesn't need knee surgery. He will be out three weeks. Donald Park has resigned as No.2 at Inverness Caley. Clyde's Dougie Imrie is training with Nottingham Forest.

In today's English papers: Rafa Benitez backs down in war of words with Liverpool American owners. Tottenham admit Dimitar Berbatov could leave club. Paul Ince bookies favourite to replace Billy Davies as Derby boss. Newcastle chief Chris Mort warns Sam Allardyce will pay price for failure. Swindon's Paul Sturrock talks to old club Plymouth. Sir Alex Ferguson charged by FA after finger-jabbing rant at referee Mark Clattenburg at Bolton. Arsenal's Alexander Hleb Belarus player of year for the fifth time in six years. Christian Dailly back at West Ham after two-month loan at Southampton.