WITH THE 2014 Airtricity League season just a fortnight away, Ireland manager Martin O’Neill says he is looking forward to taking in a number of games in the near future.

In stark contrast to his predecessor Giovanni Trapattoni, who claimed there was no domestic league in this country, O’Neill has expressed his willingness to support the League of Ireland.

Asked about the possibility of home-based players making future squads at his press conference in Limerick this afternoon, the former Distillery midfielder revealed that he is planning a scouting mission after receiving a number of recommendations.

“There have been a couple of players mentioned to me that obviously I’d like to see as soon as possible,” O’Neill said. “So I’d want to be doing that.

One or two of the managers in the League of Ireland have said that these players are definitely worth looking at so I’ve taken that into consideration.

“I’m starting from scratch in that aspect so when the season kicks off hopefully I will be at some of these matches. Particularly the players that have been brought to my attention.”

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