Old Firm backing for GB 2012 team

Smith says any footballer would love to play at the Olympics

Rangers manager Walter Smith says he would welcome the creation of Great Britain Olympic football team.

And Celtic midfielder Scott Brown said he would consider any invitation to be part of one.

Smith said: "I'm sure if there's a British Olympic team there would be a Scottish contingent, and I don't see any great problem with it.

"It's the biggest athletic tournament on the planet. I'm sure any player would love to be picked to play."

Media conference: Rangers manager Walter Smith

Media conference: Celtic player Scott Brown

The British Olympic Association said it wants Great Britain men's and women's football team to compete in the 2012 Olympics in London.

I can appreciate the thoughts of the SFA, but I'd put the Olympics separately from a footballing point of view Rangers manager Walter Smith

But the Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish football associations have indicated they are against the proposals.

Their main concern is that their independent status becomes compromised for future Uefa and Fifa competitions.

However, Smith thought that scenario unlikely.

"I can appreciate the thoughts of the SFA, but I'd put the Olympics separately from a footballing point of view," he said.

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Across the city, Brown indicated that the opportunity of playing in the Olympics for Great Britain is something that he would consider.

"You've got to listen to every offer, but until it happens I'm not really thinking about it," he said.

"But it's really up to the manager, Gordon Strachan, and Alex McLeish as well, if they want to put us forward."