A damning independent report is this week set to declare Windsor Park unfit to stage international football.

But the good news for Linfield and Northern Ireland is that it could signal a massive Government cash rescue boost for the rundown old stadium until a replacement can be built, if ever.

The report, commissioned by Linfield and funded by the Sports Council, is expected to recommend an immediate injection of at least £2million to restore Windsor to acceptable international standards with much more needed to meet UEFA and FIFA crowd comfort and safety criteria.

And since the probe was carried out at the Government's suggestion, the release of funding should be a rubber stamp job.

Next month's friendly against Wales is not at risk, despite New Year storm damage to the North Stand roof.

But the problem, which caused the cancellation of two Linfield home games, only served to highlight the general state of disrepair uncovered by construction and safety experts.

The conclusion is that urgent Government money is needed just to sustain Windsor as an international venue at its' present 14,000 capacity.

The unacceptable alternative for the IFA would be to stage Northern Ireland games outside the country as the wrangling goes on over the siting of a proposed new National stadium for football, rugby and gaelic games.

Linfield officials are this weekend studying the report and IFA Chief Executive Howard Wells will be briefed on the implications tomorrow.

But a source close to both camps told us: "Basically the report is condemning Windsor as not fit for purpose as an international stadium.

"It will be at least four to six years before any new stadium can be ready and Northern Ireland need a home until then. Government seem to recognise that and are ready to step in and patch up Windsor until they can decide where they are going with the Maze."

The former prison also remains the IFA's favoured option. That was underlined in the past week by their endorsement of the Government's appointment of a design team for the Maze while opting out of a Waterfront Hall debate on the issue, organised by fans in favour of a Belfast stadium.

And while the report on the state of their ground will come as no surprise to Linfield, it should ease their worries over who is going to pay for Windsor's continued upkeep.

The commitment from Government will also be seen by the Blues as acceptance of their entitlement to official compensation if and when the IFA were to jump ship with the international team to a publicly-funded new arena at the Maze.

Prospective builders of any Belfast stadium would also have to factor into their costs Linfield's sizeable compensation claim for severing their 100-year rental agreement with the IFA.

lIn a separate development, the IFA will announce a new Irish Cup sponsor tomorrow, taking the place of Nationwide.