The GPA's annual survey found 63% of inter-county players back FridayLeague and Championship fixtures — but they insist they must not lose money takingtime off work.

A majority of inter-county stars are ready to embrace Friday night football and hurling — but they have fired a clear warning to the GAA.

Bring on the Friday night lights, they say. Just don't expect amateur players to pay for the privilege.

A significant 63 per cent of inter-county players are in favour of playing League and Championship games on Friday nights, according to the Gaelic Players Association's annual survey.

But there is one big condition — players must be compensated if they have to take time off work to fulfil any Friday night county commitments.

The GPA received 3,555 responses from players across all four codes, including 2,108 men and 1,447 women, with the findings offering a clear indication that the concept has support among those who would be directly affected.

However, the message from the players is equally clear: they will not accept being left out of pocket to make the GAA's scheduling plans work.

GPA chiefs insist players should be reimbursed for lost earnings in the same way they would be compensated if an injury left them unable to work.

“Players won’t be blocking the Friday night concept," said GPA chief, Tom Parsons.

“But it’s clear that they have to be compensated if they miss a day’s work. They cannot be out of pocket. They have to be reimbursed just as if they were injured and suffered loss of earnings that way. It would be unfair on amateur players to be forced to take a day off work.

“There may be a derby game - say Roscommon against Mayo. But for a player like Ryan O’Donoghue, who lives in Belmullet, getting from there to Roscommon town would take him two and a half hours.

“To prepare properly for a game, he would not be able to do a day’s work and then head off to the game.

“If there is a real will for Friday night games then how will the GAA make it work? The onus is on the GAA.”

Friday night lights? The players are open to it.

Friday night losses? Not a chance.