THE FAI TODAY confirmed that Shamrock Rovers will be allowed field a team in the Airtricity League First Division from the 2014 season.
While no official decision has been made, a spokesperson told TheScore.ie the team will not be known as Shamrock Rovers and is, instead, likely to be called Shamrock Rovers B or something similar.
The official confirmation comes after talks between Shamrock Rovers and the FAI in recent weeks but will be subject to a number of restrictions including the First Division team being ineligible for promotion or participation in the EA Sports or FAI Ford Cup and a maximum four (including goalkeeper) players from the Premier Division squad being available for selection by the First Division team.
Speaking about the announcement, Shamrock Rovers chairman, Jonathan Roche said:
“Entering a team in the First Division is a significant step for Shamrock Rovers. The First Division team will play an important part in player development at the club from next season.
“We feel the First Division will give our young, talented players the chance to play at a higher level and get valuable experience of this level of competitive football.
“The First Division team will provide an extra pathway for players into our first team in the future.”
The FAI have also announced that, subject to all clubs receiving licences, the 2014 First Division will consist of the following eight clubs: Cobh Ramblers, Finn Harps, Galway, Longford Town, Shamrock Rovers, Shelbourne, Waterford United and Wexford Youths.
