Members of the Tartan Army, who are against the idea because they fear it will jeopardise Scotland's international independence will also attend the debate, due to be held in the Westminster Hall between 9.30 and 11am.

 

Peter Wishart, the Scottish Nationalist Party's Culture, Media and Sport spokesman, secured the debate with Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell.

 

He said: "The creation of a Team GB would endanger Scotland’s long term ability to compete in international football.

 

"The SFA (Scottish Football Association) are opposed, the Tartan Army are opposed and the former Scotland manager Craig Brown is opposed.

 

"It’s time for the UK Government to desist with this absurd proposal and look at ways in which the situation can be resolved.

 

Wishart wants the four Home Countries to be allowed to compete in the 2012 Games, even though the Government are not responsible for who is invited to the event, which is up to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who recognise only Britain.

 

He said: "In 1908 the unique position of the home nations was recognised by the London Olympics and all four countries were invited to send a football team.

"That position should be recognised in 2012 with a revival of the practice for the London Games.

"If we are looking for a solution for London 2012, then let it be this one, and let's see the Scottish, Welsh, Northern Irish and English teams playing football with the rest of the world at London 2012.

"In 1908 the SFA could not afford to send a team! If the London Olympics make the offer for 2012 I think we can safely say Scotland would be there.

"Instead of trying to forge a GB football team that simply does not exist the London Olympics offers an opportunity to revive previous practice at a London Games, to preserve and promote Scotland's national team and to allow all four home nation teams to compete.

 

"The future of Scotland’s national game must be assured."