Gerard Lawlor, chief executive of the Northern Ireland Football League, has said "we should never close the door on exploring more opportunities" after comments on all-island football from the Irish Taoiseach.

Irish prime minister Micheal Martin said on Tuesday that he would "like to see opportunities" to grow football on an all-island basis.

Currently, the Football Association of Ireland govern the sport in the Republic of Ireland while the Irish FA and NIFL run the game in Northern Ireland.

The Taoiseach's comments came after Derry City, who play in the League of Ireland but are based in Northern Ireland, beat Waterford to win the FAI Cup on Sunday.

Posting on X, Lawlor said the comments by the Taoiseach were "interesting" and said more collaboration is "certainly a conversation we should always be open to having and never fear".

Lawlor noted that the Martin mentioned the Shared Ireland Unit and potential funding for a cross-border competition, and referenced the long-delayed Northern Ireland Football Fund [TNIFF] from the NI Executive, which is set to improve stadia and facilities across after a 15-year delay.

"I am always open to ideas, ambition and opportunities that can help our game grow and prosper," said Lawlor.

"Interesting he mentioned Shared Island funding and I've often felt this could be a partnership and work alongside TNIFF."