SIR Geoff Hurst and Nicolas Anelka could be two soccer heroes with more than a passing interest in a Bolton company's invention.

The scheme, which uses eight cameras and a computer to confirm whether a football has crossed the goal line in a match, would clear up controversies that have littered the sport's history.

Sir Geoff's second goal against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup Final was allowed, although it was unclear if the ball actually crossed the line. But Anelka was less lucky at Wembley last month when a similar shot was disallowed as France beat England 2-0, even though TV replays clearly showed it crossed the line.

And remember the disallowed Bolton goal against Everton last year which kept the Liverpool club in the Premier League and relegated the Wanderers at at cost of nearly £20 million?

As well as aiming to end controversy, the invention could also create jobs.

Bolton MPs Ruth Kelly and David Crausby have been promoting the new "goalminder" technology developed by inventor Harry Barnes, together with Richard Rowson and David Parden.

And they have persuaded Tom Pendery, chairman of the Football Trust, to take the device to the soccer authorities.

Mr Pendery and other MPs are to sing its praises to the Football Association, the Football League and other relevant bodies after being impressed by the device at a Westminster demonstration. The MPs hope that if it is a success, the firm which makes it - Intelligent Sports Technology of the Europa Trading Estate at Stoneclough - will be able to create jobs.

Mr Parden, a company director, came up with the idea when he saw that Bolton "goal" disallowed.

It is designed to help referees make the right decision.

Bolton West MP Mrs Kelly said: "This technology could revolutionise football. I will be pressing hard to persuade the FA to accept this idea and get it introduced into professional soccer."

Mr Parden said: "We cannot believe how this has all taken off within the last 24 hours.

"The MPs have been fantastic and their involvement started because of a chance meeting with David Crausby."

And with other ideas in the pipeline, the company, which has former footballer Mike Summerbee and DJ James H Reeve on board, could create a sporting revolution. They are working on ideas to cut out off-side controversies and run-outs in cricket.

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