John Giles believes there is no doubt that a combined Ireland side would be all the stronger.
Northern Ireland have qualified for Euro 2016 under Michael O'Neill, their first major tournament in 30 years, while Ireland await a playoff draw.
Speaking to Off The Ball tonight, John said: "It's only common sense. Of course we'd have a better team if the two teams were combined. You'd have a better selection of players. It's the same in my day. In my day you could have had Derek Dougan, Pat Jennings and Georgie Best to go along with Liam Brady and David O'Leary, who came into the team a little bit later on."