Shamrock Rovers are considering a request not to play any first-team players in their ‘B’ team and instead field Under-21s and younger.
It’s just one potential solution to the First Division crisis on the table ahead of the new season.
First Division managers and players at yesterday’s official launch were left in the ludicrous position of not knowing how many teams will compete in the division.
Club licences are due out today and all eyes are on Limerick FC to see if it will be a 10 or 11-team top flight.
But according to new Shamrock Rovers II boss Aidan Price, it’s all systems go for the Hoops.
Rival clubs have threatened to boycott their games but former Rovers captain Price said: “Hopefully the authorities will have control of that.
“We can only plan for everything being okay. If things change as we go along we'll deal with it.”
As it stands, Rovers II can play up to three outfield players from Stepen Bradley’s first-team squad and a goalkeeper.
Second tier rivals argue this gives Rovers II an unfair advantage and a rethink of that particular rule is being discussed to appease warring clubs.
Price said: “A few ways have been discussed. We're not shutting ourselves down and saying 'this is the only way we’re doing it'.
“We’re willing to work with them and work out some compromise that everyone is happy and everyone gets to play on the first weekend of the season.
“I can guarantee that the average age of our team every week will be 18 or 19. They won't get that experience with the fist-team as it’s so strong.”
Asked if he understands the opposition to Rovers II, Price continued: “Not really. We were looking to do something like this a year or two years ago.
“We’re just in a better position now - all we want to do is give our players a better opportunity.”
