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The Football Association have hinted that goal-line technology could be used as early as next season, should the appropriate tests be completed in time for the next International Football Association Board meeting.

It had previously been suggested that it the 2012/2013 season would come too soon for the technology, but FA general secretary Alex Horne has suggested that progress could be quicker.

Horne said: “Goal-line technology would be a huge boost for the game. For years, we've thought this was a good addition to referees' armoury.”

“It's possible we could see [goal-line technology] in the Premier League as early as 2012-13.”

“It's easy to make mistakes and we've all seen examples where the referee and assistant referee can't see if a ball has crossed the line or not. We need to support them in decision-making.”

This technology has been required for years according to many people in the football world, so it is positive that there appears to be some progress in terms of introducing it to the game.

This has been backed up by Premier League managers Kenny Dalglish and Owen Coyle too. Both would be delighted if the technology was in place for next season.

Liverpool boss Dalglish said: “I think anything that can help get the proper decision made is going to be very well received.”

Bolton manager Coyle added: “We have the best game in world, but the one thing I'd do to improve the game, if I could, is goal-line technology.”

“We accept it's a difficult job refereeing and there's human error. But if there's a full-proof system, I'm all for bringing it in.”

"Even in my own playing career, I had four or five that were over the line and not given. That would've taken me over 300, rather than being stuck on 297!”

There seems no doubt that goal-line technology will be introduced at some point soon, but there is a deadline for it being brought into the game for next season.

The IFAB meet again in July 2012 to discuss the issue, so sufficient testing of the service needs to be sorted before then.

Horne explained: “Whether there is enough time for the technology to be bought, paid for and put into any league or competition for next season, I'm not sure.”

"It would be really tight - but it might be possible for next season.”

It would certainly be an welcome addition to the beautiful game. At the moment decisions can be as unpredictable as a hand in Texas Holdem, so it would be good to see referee’s given the helping hand of technology.