Jackie Brown and Walter McMillen, was one of three Northern Ireland-born players called up by the FAI XI to play in two friendlies against Czechoslovakia and Poland. However the IFA objected and Baird subsequently received a telegram from the English FA ordering him not to accept the offer on the grounds he was not born in the Irish Free State. Baird was bitterly disappointed at missing the chance of an international debut and was keen to play for financial reasons as much as anything. He was neutral about the dispute and was willing to play for either team. However facing suspension from the English FA, he eventually declined the FAI offer. While playing for Huddersfield Town, Baird subsequently made his only appearance for the IFA XI on 16 November 1938, in a 7–0 defeat to England at Old Trafford. The Second World War effectively put an end to Baird's international career. Earlier while playing for Linfield, Baird also represented the Irish League XI on two occasions in 1936. He scored on his debut against the Scottish League XI at Ibrox and then later assisted them to a 3–2 win against the English League XI. Honours Linfield Irish League (1): 1934–35 Irish Cup (1): 1936 Sources The Boys in Green – The FAI International Story (1997): Sean Ryan External links Northern Ireland's Footballing Greats Bangor FC 1913 births 1973 deaths Derby County F.C. wartime guest players Association football midfielders Association football forwards Grimsby Town F.C. wartime guest players Halifax Town A.F.C. wartime guest players Huddersfield Town A.F.C. players Huddersfield Town A.F.C. wartime guest players Ipswich Town F.C. players NIFL Premiership players Linfield F.C. players Manchester United F.C. players Association footballers from Northern Ireland Association footballers from Belfast Pre-1950 IFA international footballers English Football League players Ulster Scots people Irish League representative players Royal Air Force personnel of World War II