Motherwell academy director Steven Hammell watched Stuart McKinstry progress through the ranks in his youth system - and he can see a big future for him at Leeds United too.
The youngster has been called up to the Scotland U21s squad this month after making his senior breakthrough at Marcelo Bielsa's side this season.
McKinstry didn't make a senior appearance for Motherwell prior to his 2019 exit but he is still fondly thought of by Hammell - who will be inducted into the club's Hall of Fame this week.
On the cusp of the senior side at Leeds, Hammell knows England isn't always the right option for promising stars. But 19-year-old McKinstry has the potential to shine down south.
Speaking on the second episode of the Lanarkshire Live Sport Podcast - which will release this Thursday - Hammell said: "There's no right or wrong scenario. It is difficult but Stuart McKinstry is a fabulous young player.
"He has the right attitude and temperament. He's surrounded by a lovely family who are very supportive of him.
"If a team in England come and offer anything you want as a young player, then of course it's difficult to say no. All we can do is progress what we have here and sell our story.
"I'm sure Stuart will do wonderful things and become a household name in the next three or four years - but I don't want to put too much pressure on the young man! He'll do well because of his attitude."
Brexit has made former left-back Hammell's job in retaining youngsters at Motherwell much harder. English clubs are using the Scottish market far more, but the academy director hopes the first-team pathway can convince stars of tomorrow to choose Fir Park.
He said: "It's the nature of the game. If you have talented players at any level of the game, other clubs are going to want to come and take them off you.
"Brexit has made that even more difficult. Where English clubs would go to Scandinavia or Europe for players, they can't do that now.
"Their first port of call is here. It's brought challenges. At the start of every week you have a list full of requests asking to come to lots of different games.
"Sometimes they don't send a request and they just show up anyway! Then you begin to get enquiries about your player from these teams.
"It has happened to us quite a lot over the last few years. It's a sign that we are doing well but we want to make sure we show the kids that there is a pathway here.
"You can establish yourself as a professional at Motherwell, make your way into the first team and get 50-100 games under your belt.
"There's lots of examples of boys leaving too early to chase something a bit more difficult, and falling short."
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