A range of reforms aimed at improving the administration and other aspects of the Eircom-sponsored National League are back on track for this year's AGM after most were positively received at a meeting of clubs in Dublin yesterday, writes Emmet Malone.

Proposals to introduce a under-21 league; appoint a commissioner to run the game and to reduce the size of the top flight from 12 to 10 club were discussed and most were endorsed by representatives of clubs from around the country.

On the question of the under-21 league, which it is intended would replace the reserve division, it now looks likely that the final proposal will involve the competition being run on a regional basis while there remains some opposition to the anticipated changes to the sizes of the respective divisions.

Both proposals will now be discussed at Monday's Management Committee meeting and there is expected to be enough support for them there for a rule change to be proposed over the course of the summer.

Dermot Keely has been named as the Opel/Soccer Writers' Association of Ireland Personality of the Year for this season. At a function last night in Dublin the Shelbourne manager was presented with the award which comes towards the end of a remarkable campaign when he led the club to the championship. Friday night will see his side bid for glory in the FAI Cup replay against Bohemians.

Bohemians received a boost to their preparations for that game yesterday with the news that Trinidad and Tobago international Avery John has been given permission by his national federation to remain in Dublin for the second game against Shelbourne. RTE will be screening the match live on Network 2 at 8.0 p.m.