SHAMROCK ROVERS could be playing their home games at their new base in Tallaght by the start of next season, according to team manager Pat Byrne. He was speaking as the club unveiled the detailed plans for their proposed move at the launch of their first annual yearbook in Dublin last night.

Work on enclosing the area for the stadium and on laying the playing surface is scheduled for April or May.

The club, who are temporarily based at the Spawell in Templeogue while playing their games at Tolka Park, plan to move to their new home, which is near the Square in Tallaght, as quickly as possible. They expect work on its development to continue for several years. The first section of stand, with 2,500 seats, is the first major construction target.

"It's a huge step and a new direction for Rovers to have their own home again and it's something that everybody around the club is very excited about," said Byrne.