John Schofield believes Charlie McCann's rise through the ranks can inspire Northern Ireland's young players.
McCann recently earned his first start for Rangers and has previously been involved in Ian Baraclough's senior international squad.
The 20-year-old is back on Under 21 duty this week for back-to-back friendlies against Scotland.
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Schofield has assembled a much-changed squad for the two games, and he believes McCann's progress is something any young player can aspire to.
"Charlie has played a football match in front of 50,000 odd fans and the build-up to that would have been some experience for him," the Under 21 boss said.
"The experience he has had with our seniors has also stood him in good stead. And then he comes and plays with us, and along with some of the other lads they become the leaders.
"You've got Charlie, you've got Alfie McCalmont, Caolan Boyd-Munce, Trai Hume, Dale Taylor - they have all had a little taste of it.
"And now they have to transmit that and help lead the group of players we have now, and to a man they have done that."
McCann was on the books of the FAI before switching to Northern Ireland earlier this year.
Baraclough described McCann's move as a "coup", but Schofield believes it is evidence that the Irish FA can offer young players a clear pathway to senior football.
He added: “At the end of the day, all we can do with any player is offer them an opportunity to play for his country, whether that be Charlie or anyone else.
“That’s all we’ve done. Any player who qualifies for Northern Ireland will be offered that chance.
“We as an association, that’s all we can do - lay out on the table what we have to offer. Our standards, the route, the pathway and then like any decision in life, it’s down to the individual.
“It’s about recognising that pathway through to a senior team and I don’t want to speak for Charlie but I’m sure that’s what he’s seen.
“I can only comment on what the IFA does but talk is cheap. If you look in the recent past there are a number of players who have played in the system, and then got a chance with the seniors.
“The information they’ve been given is there for them to see."
Northern Ireland Under 21s play Scotland at Blanchflower Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Kick-off is 2.30pm and entry is free.
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