COURSE FOR CONCERN

Fears the axe for ETB programme will eventually prove premature

- MARK McCADDEN

FAI CEO David Courell's argument soon-to-be-axed ETB courses were "not working for us now" was undercut Shamrock Rovers wing-back Adam Brennan being included in Heimir Hallgrimsson's provisional squad for the World Cup play-offs.

While Brennan, 18, is more likely to feature in Jim Crawford's Under-21 squad, it is a timely boost for a programme that is in its final year.

At the end of the current term, the association will withdraw from the joint venture with the Education and Training Board.

It's a victim of a 'transformation programme' that has seen 48 staff leave the FAI on a voluntary basis, with another 15 or so to go soon through compulsory redundancies.

Clonee's Brennan, a graduate of the Cabra course, is one of three Rovers players to have completed the programme along with Roberto Lopes and former Ireland international Enda Stevens.

Around the league and beyond, players have benefitted from the programme that combines education and football development. It can earn participants up to 400 Leaving Cert points across eight subjects.