As leading high street retailers, including Marks and Spencer and Debenhams, cut prices to boost spending in the midst of a credit crunch, the Irish Football Association (IFA) have reacted in an innovative way to assist fans suffering from tightened purse strings.

The current home jersey, which was originally retailing at £44.99, is now priced at a much reduced £14.99 – a massive drop of 66 per cent.

The IFA's retail partner, JJB Sports, which has stores located across the Province, when contacted by the News Letter, confirmed that they too would be implementing a similar revised charge for adult sizes.

The new figure relates to short-sleeved jerseys – the long-sleeved versions have been dropped to a retail price of £16.99.

The IFA's website indicates a similar reduction will be implemented on the current away jersey.

The amended prices are sure to be warmly welcomed by members of the Green and White Army, particularly in the run-up to Christmas.

Geoff Wilson, marketing director at the IFA, confirmed the association had opted for the cut-price initiative after intensive research with other football clubs and national associations.

"The credit crunch is hitting everybody, including the Irish FA, and following our research we felt this was the right thing to do in the current climate," he said.

"People have less money and less confidence to buy at the moment and we believe this move will stimulate demand in a very tough environment."

Mr Wilson, who has overseen a massive rise in replica shirt sales on the back of the team's recent success, acknowledged that many supporters would have paid the full retail price for strips since the launch of the current jersey in September. However, he revealed fans who purchased a top within the last month at the IFA shop would be entitled to a refund of the difference.

"Provided the replica shirt is in good condition, this is something we would be willing to consider as this policy is standard practice," he said.

The IFA man, who expects a deluge of orders, said no decision has yet been made on the duration of the promotion.

Supporters' spokesman Gary McAllister described the price reduction as a "positive" development.

"I think it will be a welcome relief to supporters who are finding things difficult financially at the moment, especially coming up to Christmas," he said.

"It's always good to have as many people as possible wearing the national team's shirt."