Derry City boss Declan Devine praises FAI ahead of today's crunch talks on League of Ireland return

The association will meet with League of Ireland clubs today via video conference to discuss the resumption of the SSE Airtricity League with the ambition being a mid-August restart.

Several clubs remain unconvinced about playing behind closed doors but the FAI will put forward a rescue package aimed at compensating clubs for continuing losses. Clubs will then have until Tuesday next to mull over the figures before providing a firm 'yes or no' answer.

Other issues such as health and safety concerns, player wages and contracts, venue preparation and the prospect of curtailing the season further will also be ironed out at today's meeting.

Derry City boss, Devine has already declared his club's intent on returning to action 'when it's safe and right' and after three rounds of successful Covid-19 testing it's been a positive few weeks for the Candy Stripes who returned to training on Monday.

Devine has praised the FAI's interim chief executive Gary Owens and deputy Niall Quinn for being open and transparent and claims he's been impressed with how they've 'gone about their business.' amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

"Hopefully we get more clarification on the league after Thursday's meeting," said Devine. "Gary Owens came into a very difficult job and all the managers spoke to Niall Quinn last week on a phone call and he was very impressive.

"They very much care about football in the League of Ireland - that's what stood out for me. They are in the same boat and understand it's extremely difficult and there will have to be a bit of give and take here and there.

"Ultimately it comes down to a financial package which will help clubs fulfill these fixtures. That's what it's about.

"The chief executive and deputy chief executive, I've been very impressed with and think they've gone about their business in a real positive way and have shown a real affection for the League of Ireland which other individuals didn't show in previous years.

"Hopefully they can come up with something and we can all have something to look forward to and get back to play again."

Is he confident the league will resume this summer?

"I don't know to be honest. It's like everything else with this pandemic. Some days you're very positive, some days you have your worries some days you have your concerns.

"What I've tried to do over the last number of weeks is try not to get too ahead of myself, try to stay level headed with it all and whatever will be will be."

Devine does, however, remain optimistic about the proposed four-team tournament next month for the four European qualified teams, Derry City, Dundalk, Shamrock Rovers and Bohemians.

"Ultimately the biggest positive for us is that we were allowed to go back to training and it still looks like this four team tournament will go ahead. "Hopefully it works out the European qualifiers are going to come around and hopefully the FAI can come up with a package all clubs in Ireland are happy with.

"If that's the case then great. We've publicly stated that we want to get back to football when it's safe and right. So hopefully the whole package comes together and we can get back to a place where we have a sense of normality."