When former Northern Ireland international Paul McVeigh told the Belfast Telegraph that “Windsor Park is a place half the population don’t feel a part of,” it kicked off a debate that has gone long into extra time.

McVeigh , capped 20 times for Northern Ireland, had framed his call as a way of stopping the exodus of Catholic players to the Republic.

Recent Sunderland signing James McClean had revealed his desire to play for the Republic — joining talents such as Darron Gibson, Marc Wilson, Daniel Kearns and Daniel Devine in turning their backs on the Irish FA. “The Irish Football Association has to make decisions if it wants to stop players from the north opting to play for the Republic,” said the west Belfast-born man.

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“Can they really say it is a good thing for football in Northern Ireland to have the English anthem played before games? (Some) 50% of people in Northern Ireland do not recognise it as their anthem.”

DUP Assemblyman Mervyn Storey has said the Irish Football Association should kick the anthem debate into touch and focus on matters on the pitch.

The North Antrim MLA said he recently attended the Northern Ireland match against Estonia with his two sons and felt a great sense of pride at the playing of God Save The Queen prior to kick-off.

“I’m more than content with the current anthem,” said the passionate Northern Ireland fan. “In my view the playing of the national anthem should stay how it is. I can’t see any reason for changing it.

“I took my kids to the Estonia game and really enjoyed it.

“There is a sense of pride when singing the national anthem and there is nothing to be ashamed of.”

Mr Storey added: “The IFA should be trying to deal with things of substance which have plagued Northern Ireland football previously, not the national anthem.

“There has to be the right structures in place to have a national team we can be proud of.

“This debate is a distraction, a totally unnecessary distraction.

“Playing the national anthem for the national team was never a problem.

“Others are trying to make it a problem now.”

Although renowned for their vocal prowess on the terraces, a spokesperson for fans of the Green and White Army was keeping tight-lipped on the anthem debate last night.

Gary McAllister, spokesman for The Amalgamation of Northern Ireland Supporters' Clubs, said the body would not be making any comment on the issue at this time.