Glenn Ferguson believes Linfield could be the perfect shop window for Chris McKee to earn another shot across the water - just like it did for Shayne Lavery.
Previously on the books of Everton, Lavery bagged an impressive 47 goals in 77 games for the Blues and won the golden boot along with the Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year before signing for Blackpool last year.
McKee spent the second half of last season on-loan with Linfield after returning home from Rangers, scoring six goals to help David Healy's side retain their Premiership title.
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That form has earned McKee a permanent two-year contract at Windsor Park, with the Northern Ireland Under 21 striker set to re-join the Blues when his Rangers contract expires at the end of this month.
Linfield legend Ferguson believes McKee has all the attributes to play across the water, and insists the young striker is at the right place to continue developing his career.
"Chris took his chance during his initial loan spell," Ferguson told Belfast Live.
"He is another player I know well. He came through our 2002 squad in the Academy. I watched him for a number of years before he got his move to Rangers.
"He isn't a big, towering striker but he has a good shape about him and works the channels well. He works very hard and is another great finisher.
"It didn't work for him at Rangers but he has come back here and had a good six months, scored a few goals and won a league title.
"If he has another good season here, scores 15-20 goals, who knows what will happen.
"A few doors could open and he could be away again."
And Ferguson says Northern Ireland international Lavery is the perfect example of a player who used the Irish League to galvanise his career.
"Chris could be another Shayne Lavery," Ferguson added.
"He has that attitude and desire. He loves training, I watch him every day with the first team and he is one of the first ones to arrive and one of the last to leave.
"He is continually practising his shooting and finishing, and he wants to improve every day.
"But he will get it tough next season. This is a tough league.
"But I think he has the attributes, He has the skill, the physique and can stand up to it and I wish him well.
"And I hope he can win us another league title. If he does well and gets another move then I will be delighted for him."
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