By Steve Bargeton, political editor

PLANS BY Gordon Brown for a British football team at the 2012 Olympics in London might not get the backing of the next Labour leader in Scotland.

Britain has not entered a side in the Olympics since 1960 because of fears it could jeopardise the future of the individual Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Irish national sides.

As the Olympics drew to a close in Beijing the Prime Minister, a keen football fan and Raith Rovers supporter, said he wanted a UK team to take to the field in 2012.

“I think when people are looking at the Olympics in 2012—Britain, home of football, where football was invented, which we gave to the world—I think people would be very surprised if there is an Olympic tournament in football and we are not part of it,” he said.

Mr Brown suggested that Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson could manage a British team in 2012.

Mr Brown has been holding talks with Fifa President Sepp Blatter in an attempt to ensure the right of the autonomy of the home nations is protected if there is a British Olympic team.

The Prime Minister said he was confident the negotiations would be successful, and suggested Sir Alex could be the ideal choice as team manager.

“I have talked to him about it,” he added.

“I think he would have to be approached formally by the relevant authorities but he is one of the people mentioned and he has not turned it down.”