Shamrock Rovers head coach Stephen Bradley is hoping for a successful conclusion to talks with goalkeeper Alan Mannus.
The 40-year-old, who helped Rovers become League of Ireland champions for a third consecutive year, is out of contract and is mulling over whether to call time on his career or push on for another year.
Bradley is currently trying to convince him to stay - but says he is already looking at a plan B, should the former Northern Ireland netminder decide to hang up his gloves.
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“Still hopeful, we're still hopeful,” said the Rovers boss.
“Alan's not one to rush into a decision. He thinks everything through.
“I have been saying him and (Brian) Maher have been the best in the country this year, but Alan will assess his own performances.
“And if he doesn't think he's up to scratch he won't want to do it again. That's the way he is, the type he is.
“He will assess everything and come to a decision but we will do everything possible to keep him.”
Bradley added: “He will be (hard to replace). We know it's going to come at some point, if it's this year or next year, it's going to come.
“Brian Maher has been very good this year (for Derry City,) but Al for me has been the outstanding goalkeeper.
“In big moments in games he has come to the front for us and that's been massive for us.
“He looks at everything. If he doesn't feel he's contributing he won't stay. But he has contributed and hopefully that's enough to keep him.”
Asked if there was a plan B in place, Bradley replied: “We plan, you have to plan, and we have been doing that for quite some time. But plan A is to keep him.
“We have had good conversations, we know where we are.”
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