Scunthorpe coach Ian Baraclough has said he is looking to the Channel Islands as an untapped resource for football talent.

Baraclough was born in Leicester but as a teenager made a name for himself playing for Jersey side St Ouen's.

"The problem is that clubs simply do not come over to have a look anymore," he told BBC Channel Islands.

The ex-Notts County, QPR and Scunthorpe defender is planning a pre-season tournament in Jersey.

Baraclough said that Graeme Le Saux was at St Quen's in the same year as him and he finds it strange that "there has been no-one following in the footsteps of Matt [Le Tissier] and Graeme.

"There's been nothing in between and that surprises me, a lot of the kids were of a good standard," he added.

Baraclough, 38, began his professional career at his hometown club, Leicester City, he joined the Foxes as a trainee in 1988.

Speaking about his break into professional football, which saw him play in more than 700 games for nine different clubs, he said: "I was lucky, being a Leicester lad I had contacts at the club and was able to get a trial that way."

Although his time in Jersey was brief, Baraclough added: "I'm surprised more players haven't made the step up to the professional game."

Scunthorpe are looking into coming to Jersey to play a pre-season tournament in the summer against the hosts and possibly a French league team.

It has been in the pipeline for the last two years and Baraclough said it is now looking more than just a possibility.

"I hope it happens the club are really keen and I keep on at the manager [Nigel Adkins] about it," he said.

"I think it will be a great experience for the lads and give the club a chance to become better known in the Channel Islands.

"Who knows we may find another Graeme or Matt in the process."

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