Cup chief warns Blues and Glens

Milo Corcoran says Linfield and Glentoran can be replaced

Setanta Cup chief Milo Corcoran says other Irish League clubs will play in the All-Ireland competition if Linfield and Glentoran pull out.

The Belfast clubs have recently raised doubts about their participation.

"Both clubs have contributed greatly to the competition," said Corcoran who is chairman of the organising committee.

"I hope they do not opt out, but it is an invitational tournament and other clubs from the Irish League would be delighted to take their place."

This year Linfield, Glentoran, Cliftonville and Dungannon Swifts represented the Irish League.

Glentoran got to the final but were beaten by Cork City.

The Glens were unhappy about having to play the final at their opponents' ground and also about the number of tickets allocated to their supporters.

Linfield, the only northern club to have won the competition, have made it known they have reservations about plans to be play more Setanta Cup matches on Saturdays next year.