Soccer Shorts: The backers of the proposed All-Ireland League have welcomed a statement from the island's two football associations confirming that they are to establish a joint working group to look at the proposal as well as a range of other issues, writes Emmet Malone.

In a statement, Platinum One, whose chairman Fintan Drury is a key figure in the recent move to establish the new league, said that the establishment of the new group was a positive development and restated its determination to pursue the idea which, it believes, can significantly improve the financial base of the game here.

"The domestic professional game on both parts of the island is in an extremely perilous financial position," it said. "A radical and relatively speedy response is required. We have been working since October on developing such a solution and will only bring forward something that has the potential to create an economically sustainable professional game in Ireland."

Hunt signs new deal

Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract. The Republic of Ireland international, who was a target for Sunderland in the January transfer window, is now tied to the Berkshire club until 2011.

Reading director of football Nick Hammond said: "Considering all the speculation surrounding 'Hunty' in recent weeks his professionalism and commitment have been outstanding, and he personifies the qualities that our team will need for the remainder of this season and beyond.

"He has greatly matured as a player and a person since joining us, and is now an established Premier League and international footballer so we are delighted with this news."

Hunt added in a statement: "I am very pleased to sign this new deal and show my commitment to Reading. I believe the club can keep going forward in the next few years and I want to play my part in that process."

Southgate reassures fans

Gareth Southgate has moved quickly to reassure Middlesbrough fans that the club's record signing Afonso Alves will not be sidelined by a threatened legal challenge from AZ Alkmaar. The Dutch club claim they have a pre-contract agreement with the prolific Brazilian striker, who signed a four-and-a-half year contract with Middlesbrough last night following a month long-transfer wrangle.

Alkmaar have announced they will take their case to Fifa, despite the Dutch FA having already ruled that the agreement between the player and AZ is invalid because the club failed to meet certain conditions. Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, chairman Dirk Scheringa said: "He really has a chance of getting banned from playing for the rest of the season. We have a water-tight contract with him."

Alves disputes the claim and his new boss Southgate, when asked about Scheringa's threat, said: "Well, that can't happen. The only thing that can happen is there could be compensation between Heerenveen and Alkmaar.

"The player has got international clearance and is registered to the Premier League."

Richards vows to stay

England defender Micah Richards returns for Manchester City's Premier League encounter with Arsenal - and is willing to commit to Eastlands in the long-term. Richards (19), has missed two matches over the past week due to a knee niggle but is ready to face the club he supported as a youngster.

Having been linked with a move away from City, he insists his future is with the blue half of Manchester and signing a fresh deal is on the horizon. He said: "I have got two-and-a-half years on my contract and I am not going anywhere. There is no time scale in my mind, just when it's ready to be signed it will be signed."

Wise restates Newcastle role

Dennis Wise has insisted Kevin Keegan has nothing to fear from him as the pair plot the way forward at Newcastle. The 41-year-old's arrival at St James' Park this week as the club's executive director (football) started tongues wagging as some commentators suggested the former Leeds boss would represent a vulture circling over his one-time England boss.

However, speaking for the first time about his appointment, Wise was adamant that Keegan would remain very much the man in charge. He said: " I am not here to be involved in the first team; I am not here to manage. I am here to help Kevin as much as possible with bringing young players through, and also recommending certain players to him.

"He will say yes or no. He has the final word. No-one else. I am not going to do things like bring players in behind his back."