Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand is hoping a new football agency based in West Belfast can help unearth the next Roy Keane or Jonny Evans.
New Era Global Sports Management, which represents the interests of Ferdinand, Mick McCarthy, Harry Redknapp and Robbie Savage, was launched on Tuesday at the Innovation Factory on the Springfield Road.
It is the company's first satellite office outside its London HQ, where it is headed up by former professional players Jamie Moralee and Pete Smith.
Ferdinand - who is an ambassador for New Era - believes there is an exciting talent pool of young footballers stretched across the island of Ireland.
"I have played with many Irish footballers over the years, including Robbie Keane, Roy Keane, Jonny and Corry Evans, John O'Shea, Craig Cathcart, Robbie Brady . you can go on and on," Ferdinand said.
"All talented players.
"It doesn't matter where you come from, if you are good enough then the opportunities are there.
"It is about creating a pathway for these young players and helping them in their careers."
The office will be run by former footballer and scout Lee Mudd who hails from Belfast.
"Lee has a good pool of players already here, and if we can give them extra support as a company, I think it is an important moment for New Era and the people involved," Ferdinand added.
Former Crystal Palace and Millwall striker Moralee was also in Belfast on Tuesday to help launch the Belfast office.
He believes the company can help Irish League youngsters make the leap across the water and build a career in full-time football.
"You have your Man United links here, Jonny Evans, Craig Cathcart, Corry Evans, and then the extension with players like Roy Keane, Robbie Keane. There is so much talent here," he said.
"Not every player can do straight into a Man United or Man City, but there are good players here who can progress.
"The players still need the mentality. We can only help them so much. They need the hunger and desire to reach as a high a level as they possibly can."
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