Although a summer camp in Portugal remains the front runner for Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton's end-of-season get-together, the FAI have confirmed they are also contemplating a tour of the United States in May or June.
Staging a May friendly holds, as Staunton alluded to during the week, its own difficulties coming so close to the end of the season, and the manager also opined that dates in early June did not suit his requirements either as they come too late after the English season's conclusion.
But as the FAI mull over a number of potential options, the association's chief executive, John Delaney, yesterday backed Staunton by agreeing a June date was not ideal for players who will have "deserved a break".
"We've explored a couple of options," Delaney said, "one being the training camp down in Portugal and playing some Portuguese teams. We've also had offers to play tournaments in America, some in June and possibly in May, but we have to wait and see what comes out of that.
"If we want to play in America in June it's not a problem, but it's not what we want to do," he added. "We've spoken to a couple of people about possible games in May, but they could be long shots, we just don't know."
Delaney conceded, though, it would not be "the end of the world" should that friendly fail to materialise as the game away to Denmark in August twinned with all the competitive matches "firms up" the 2007 fixture calendar. "A lot of countries are playing competitive games at the end of May and into June so there are less options but we'll find something, I'm sure of that."
Be it a single game, tour or training camp next year, confirmation from the FAI is expected in January.
On the domestic front, Thomas Davis GAA club is making an application to the High Court today, seeking leave for a judicial review of South Dublin County Council's decision to finish the partially completed stadium in Tallaght for Shamrock Rovers FC.
Delaney said it was "important" Shamrock Rovers - without a ground of their own since the sale of Milltown in 1987 - secured a stadium to play Eircom League football.
The Dublin club - relegated last season - are confident of playing top flight Premier Division football next term but, despite having won the first division last weekend, this will not necessarily come to pass.
The make-up of both divisions next season lies in the hands of the FAI's Independent Assessment Group, who are using on-and off-field criteria to determine which clubs contest the two divisions, and that group's decision will be announced on December 11th.
Applications to fill the void left by Dublin City are being made, and the FAI hope to have finalised the identity of that 22nd league club by the end of December.
Finally, the Government has provided €1.6 million towards the construction of 64 mini-pitches, primarily located in disadvantaged areas, throughout the country. Local authorities will own and maintain the synthetic pitches, all of which will be located close to schools and community facilities and available free of charge.
