The eircom League Cup winners will compete in an expanded Setanta Cup next season, it has been announced today.
The FAI made a decision at Saturday’s Council meeting to ratify a proposal to extend the Setanta Cup to eight teams with the League Cup winners from North and South of the border competing in next season’s competition.
It is an added incentive for the remaining four sides in the competition; Shelbourne, UCD, Derry City and Longford Town, to push on for victory.
Longford Town manager Alan Mathews said: “I am surprised by the announcement but the Setanta Cup is a marvellous competition and one that can grow. The expansion will be a great boost for the competition.”