Will Celtic Euro 2008 bid succeed?

Do you think the Celtic nations' bid will be successful?

Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have worked hard over the past year to put together a bid to jointly host Euro 2008.

Despite a number of difficulties, the bid is thought to be among the favourites to win, along with a joint bid from Austria and Switzerland.

A Celtic success would be a major boost for the countries' footballing authorites and politicians.

But would the money be better spent on public services?

Why not have Wales on board, with one of the finest stadia in the world, and make it a tri-nation Celtic bid?
Edward, Wales

Nobody seems to be mentioning the security headache that Scotland and Ireland would have if their bid was successful.

They may have been put off by the distance to Japan but your average English soccer thug will have no problem making it to Glasgow or Dublin!
Niall, Ireland

The Celtic bid was never going to be successful because of one thing - the FAI's lack of ambition, professionalism and above all leadership.

Ireland has the best stadium that I have ever seen - Croke Park. Far better than Old Trafford and if anyone gets the opportunity to visit it, do so. Celtic 2008 - no chance.
Paul, Ireland

I would love to see it happening, because it would be a big boost for both nations, but sadly I don't think it will. Scotland is fine with their stadiums, but Ireland is not.

We only really have one stadium for football in Lansdowne Road and that is also used for rugby. I don't think that stadium is a patch on Parkhead or Ibrox. As for the GAA giving us use of Croke Park, I just cannot see it happening.
Thomas, Ireland

Phil Howden my friend! Hold on a wee second! If the Scottish and Irish leagues are so "pathetic" then why did Celtic stuff Blackburn Rovers 3-0?

You can say what you like about Scotland but until you get your own house in order, don't slate other leagues.
Barry Robb, Ireland

I hope I'm wrong but I think Scotland blew it when we invited the Irish on board. I have nothing against them but I think a single bid would have attracted Uefa as well as putting Scotland right back on the map.

If we don't get it the Alpine nations probably deserve it but I have a horrible feeling Lennart Johansson will look after his own.
Craig Thomson, Scotland

The Austrians' and the Swiss are still only beginning construction on the majority of their stadia. We have a magnificent stadium in Croke Park. However, I don't believe the GAA will open up the facility for soccer. GAA headquarters is the finest stadium in the British Isles at present (the Millennium Stadium would be close capacity wise).

It would be a great pity to let this tournament by-pass us because of ridiculous minor technicalities which could easily be cleared up by The GAA and The Government. The sooner Stadium Ireland is constructed and Lansdowne Road pulled apart, the better!
Paul, Leinster, Ireland

I hope Scotland and Ireland are successful but I'm not sure it'll happen. I don't think Austria and Switzerland necessarily have a better case but having seven stadiums spread between only three cities (Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin) just seems too concentrated. Fingers crossed, though!
Fraser, Scotland

This bid is just a vanity project by the Scottish Executive. After Euro 2008, clubs in Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh will be left to service stadiums that they will never, ever fill. They'd be far better spending the money sorting out grass-roots football.
Dougal McKinnon, UK

The Celtic bid doesn't stand a chance due to the sheer incompetence of the FAI. Ireland is not ready to stage major soccer finals, even as a bit part player with another country. Just look at the Irish part of the 2008 bid. It consists of three stadiums. One is nowhere near Uefa standard (Lansdowne Road), one doesn't allow soccer (Croke Park)and one doesn't even exist.

Another fact that can't be ignored is that not one of the stadiums in the Irish bid is actually owned by the FAI. The Irish part of this bid is a joke; the Scottish FA should have ditched it long ago and gone on their own or with Wales. Unfortunately they placed blind faith in the FAI getting its house in order, which they are obviously incapable of doing. Now the Scots are going to pay the price for allowing the FAI to drag them down with them. This bid is doomed to failure and the Scots only have themselves to blame for putting their faith in the FAI.
Niall McEntee, Ireland

It would be great to see the Euro 2008 final played at Hampden (arguably the spiritual home of football now there's no competition from Wembley). Surely it's time that Scotland and Ireland got the chance to gain some benefit themselves from their excellent fans that have spent millions in other countries following their respective national teams. Football's coming home again!
Louise, UK

I have no doubt that Scotland and Ireland can provide the best tournament; but I have no doubt that Uefa will do all they can to look after "their own". My heart says we'll get it, but in reality the absence of any of the big nations bidding (England, Spain, Italy, Germany) makes it a near certainty that Uefa will have it at "home".
Andy, Scotland

Scotland and Ireland don't deserve the Euro 2008 finals for two reasons. Firstly, the quality of their domestic games are utterly pathetic, and secondly, how can you reward Scotland when it has done nothing to cut out sectarianism in its domestic game? Scottish football is from the Ice Age in all respects.
Phil Howden, England

The Ireland/Scotland bid is a good one, with some wonderful stadiums including Parkhead, Murryfield, and Croke Park(if accepted). As well as this, England proved in 1996 that this part of the world can put on a wonderful footballing show. However, unfortunately, I have a feeling that the bid will fail because of the Irish government's ineptness and the GAA's stubbornness!
Daryl Moore, Ireland

I agree will Chris (below). A three-pronged bid with the Cardiff stadium holding the final probably would shift Uefa's decision. Unfortunately, while Croke Park is an impressive stadium, the chances of it being used are slim. Which only leaves the sub-standard Lansdowne Road and having to rely on a new national stadium being put in.
Paul, Rep of Ireland

Let's face it, the joint Celtic bid is not going to succeed. There are too many political and geographical obstacles facing it. Try giving it another 20 years.
Michael, Nomad

Chris from Wales (below) says: "The bid would have been successful if Wales had been included". Get real; you would have wanted inclusion so that you would qualify for a major tournament. And stop going on about the Millennium Stadium, it's not as wonderful as you think. Look at the pitch and look at how the debts accrued in building it may bring down the WRU.
Heno, France

If Wales had been included they would have a much better chance. The Millennium Stadium would swing the decision without a doubt. I believe that the Welsh national stadium should be a role model for all future grounds.
Chris Lacey, Brennan, S. Wales

Rob (below), visit Croke Park and you will have your answer. The only stadium to match it in Eurpoe is the Bernabeau. Maybe the better question is what stadia do the Austrians/Swiss have! Come on the boys in green.
James, Ireland

The fact that all the stadiums mentioned are in two cities hardly bodes well for the campaign. Plus the GAA will not let soccer be played in the stunning Croke Park, especially during the summer (championship season)
Bruce Grimshaw, Blaney, Ireland

I think the Celts have a good case to host the Euro Championships. However, will the sub-standard unrecognized league in Ireland have an effect on the decision and what decent stadiums do they have? Scotland is fine. Ibrox, Parkhead and Hampden Park are more than sufficient.
Rob, UK