Both associations, the Northern Ireland-based IFA and the Irish Free State-based FAI claimed jurisdiction over the whole of Ireland and selected players from the whole island.
In May 1938, Baird, together with 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.
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.