Platini backs European bid

OK there are two games to go before that could become a possibility but Platini has voiced his concerns that the English FA will not put us forward as their representative if we win the FA Cup. He said though that he will intervene.

The matter of whether we would be allowed to qualify through the English system has never really been fully explorered because quite frankly we never looked like we'd ever win anything. A Wembley semi final has brought the issue to the surface though and should we go further it will be right at the top of the agenda.

"It's not normal that they participate in one competition and if they win they are out. That is not good," Platini said. "If England don't do something we will do something because we always respect the result."

Platini is President of Uefa so will have some serious clout in the matter.