Under the terms of the new agreement, FIVE fixtures each season from the Carnegie Premier League will be screened live for the next FIVE years.

That element of the deal kicks-off in August and will run until the end of the 2011-2012 season.

Already Sky executives have decided that the Boxing Day fixture between Glentoran and Linfield will definitely figure in their plans.

Armstrong feels the deal is great news for Irish League football, and adds that it could earn some of the best players a move across the water to full-time football.

"I genuinely believe this is a fantastic deal for Northern Ireland football," said 1982 World Cup hero Armstrong.

"Obviously there is the international element to it with all of Northern Ireland's home games being covered.

"And for me the Irish League element is the icing on the cake.

"It means that managers, coaches and chairmen in England and Scotland will now be able to see the best players that the Irish League has to offer.

"And that in turn could lead to the local boys getting a move to clubs across the water.

"What an incentive that is for them.

"I know that local football has plenty of critics but I feel the standard is good.

"Remember an Irish League select side hammered a Vauxhall Conference side recently.

"Make no mistake there are a lot of high quality players around in the Irish League and now they are going to get to show a wider audience what they can do."

On that subject Linfield and Northern Ireland goalkeeper Alan Mannus said: " It's great that Irish League matches are going to be screened live.

"That is fantastic news for all the clubs and yes, it does put local players in the shop window.

"But more importantly it gives us the chance to show that Irish League football has a lot to offer."

Armstrong added that he feels Northern Ireland players will be delighted with Sky showing international games live from next year.

"I think they will be happy with their news because Sky is so highly regarded amongst the football fraternity," said Gerry.

"Football people all over Europe tune in and they will see just how well the Northern Ireland players can perform and it may just help them win more respect."

Having worked for both BBC Northern Ireland and UTV in the past, Armstrong admitted that he felt sympathy for the local stations, but stressed it is not all bad news for them.

"I do feel sorry for them, but there is a highlights package available which both can bid for," he added.

"It is situation where everyone could be accommodated.

"I have worked for all the TV companies, and while I respect them all, I have to say that no one does it better than Sky.

"The viewers are in for a treat."