James McIlroy failed to deliver in the 800m in Melbourne

Professor Eric Saunders said he was disappointed that N Ireland only took two medals at the Commonwealth Games.

"We have some very good athletes but they are not performing to their maximum," he told BBC Sport.

"We need to professionalise the whole approach to the coaching and preparation of athletes."

He added: "We have to hold on to the talent we have and unearth better talent and increase our coaching to ensure all athletes have the very best of competitive opportunities.

"We are not making the best use of our athletes although it is certainly not down to facilities. Basically, it is the whole question of professional approach."

While Wales and Scotland exceeded expectations in Melbourne, Northern Ireland could only muster silvers from the men's bowls triples team and David Beattie in shooting.

Disappointments included James McIlroy's failure to qualify from the heats in the 800m.

The Sports Council has to get more involved if we are to help people plan for the future Professor Eric Saunders

Professor Saunders believes there has been some progress but admits changes must be made to avoid a repeat in Delhi in 2010.

"You will find that the Sports Institute at Jordanstown, provided that government bodies make the most of it, will bring on athletes leaps and bounds," he said.

"The athletes who work with us at the minute have all been near their personal bests.

"Yes, none of them won medals but that is something we should look forward to in the future.

"We need to get greater collaboration between ourselves, the government bodies and the Commonwealth Games Council if we are going to make maximum use of our potential.

"The Sports Council has to get more involved if we are to help people plan for the future as this is the business we are in.