Stephen Bradley is right behind proposals for a money spinning all-island league.
Kerry businessman Kieran Lucid has set an autumn deadline for clubs to back his ambitious plans and Lucid will get a chance to pitch his ideas at the national league strategic planning weekend in mid-July.
Having played in the Setanta Sports Cup, the Shamrock Rovers boss believes a cross-border league is the way forward.
“I’d love for it to happen," he said.“I know there are a lot of bridges to be crossed in terms of European places and prizemoney, and Government help to fund parts of it.
"Other countries have four and five Champions League places and would Europa League spots be split, because somebody is going to lose out on that prize money? That would be a big talking point.
"But it definitely adds to it, makes it more competitive. It would definitely be a step forward. I know it was talked about a long time ago and it never happened.
“I played in the Setanta Cup and won it, really enjoyed the games in Linfield, Cliftonville. They were always really competitive games.
"We've looked at different ways of keeping our league competitive, keeping the gates there and making it as even as possible for all clubs.
"It's done OK, but this would really be a step in the right direction."
Speaking ahead of tonight's clash with Dundalk as the league's top two meet in Tallaght, Bradley claims that St Johnstone striker David McMillan - who had been linked with Rovers - is returning to his former club instead.
“I heard that McMillan was done to Dundalk," he confided. “His name has been thrown at us a few times. St Johnstone will drive that."
The Hoops boss shed no further light on rumours that Cork's Graham Cummins was Rovers-bound.
“I'm not sure what the situation is as there are a lot of clubs interested in him," he said.
But Bradley did confirm that there will be players leaving Rovers in the near future.
“We’ve had a few enquiries about a few players," he remarked. “We’ll get Friday and Monday out of the way first, we’ll then look at our own goings out."
Rovers are frustrated that new signing Gary O'Neill won't be eligible for Monday's derby clash with St Pat's. Another new signing, Neil Farrugia, is currently injured.
The first of July is the first day new signings can be registered but Monday is a bank holiday and post offices are closed, so player registrations can't be sent by registered post, as is required.
“It’s frustrating," said Bradley. "I’m sure it is for everyone. Gary probably would've played with the quick turnaround.
“We had the same situation last year with Alan (Mannus) and just got Dylan (Watts) into Europe at the last hour”.
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