The FAI have welcomed Fifa's decision to allow players to register for more than two clubs during the one 12-month period where a switch between winter and summer leagues is involved.

The change was prompted after several League of Ireland players had to sit out the start of last season's campaign and two - Gareth Farrelly and Colin Healy of Cork City - were sidelined until the start of July.

The FAI took up the issue with Fifa in March and obtained exemptions for eight of the affected players, while City brought their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) where, while the court found against the club, there was much criticism of Fifa's position.

As a consequence, Fifa have ruled that players who have already played for two different clubs during the current year (since July 1st) abroad can now sign and play for clubs here over the coming weeks and months.

"We took the decision to point it out to Fifa because we were not prepared to run the risk of receiving sanctions for breaching it," said league of Ireland director Fran Gavin yesterday. "And the change will greatly benefit the league here."

Roy Keane, meanwhile, continued to be frustrated in his efforts to strengthen his midfield yesterday as Reading director of football Nicky Hammond confirmed the club were in talks with Stephen Hunt about an improved contract, Portsmouth's Matt Taylor turned down a move to Sunderland and Robbie Savage completed his transfer to Derby County.

"It (Hunt's contract) is part of an on-going discussion," said Hammond. "We did his contract in the summer and I said to him 'if you progress like you have done this season, we'll look at your contract again'.

"That discussion was some weeks ago and we're in the middle of it. I'm sure we'll find a satisfactory conclusion for both us and Hunty."

The Irish midfielder has more than two years remaining on his current deal with the club, but has been one of the club's most impressive performers this season.

Hammond conceded Hunt's hand had been strengthened by Keane's interest and the player's refusal to rule out the possibility of a move.

"If I was still a player I wouldn't rule anything in or out either. What I do know is when I sit in the stand and watch him performing for our team, giving 100 per cent, scoring two goals at Tottenham, he's very happy here," said Hammond. "Supporters can see that in his commitment to the club."

"In any case, he is our player, he's done exceptionally well with us and I expect all our players to stay. We are in control of the situation and there will be no developments unless we decide it's the right move for our club."

Taylor declined to open talks with Sunderland after Portsmouth had agreed a fee for him. The midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Reading, said he did not wish to uproot his family.