Notts County's Centre of Excellence has formed a relationship with a team in Ireland which could see potential stars of the future head to Meadow Lane.

Centre of Excellence Director Mick Leonard flew over to Ireland this week to tie up the deal with Lifford AFC, who are one of the founder members of the Clare Soccer League.

Lifford are the only club from the Clare League to have produced three schoolboy internationals and County have been given direct access to their youngsters.

In the not so distant past County had a similar relationships with teams in Ireland that attracted the likes of Paul Heffernan, Saul Deeney, Shane McFaul and Emmet Friars to Nottingham and it is hoped that this link-up can be just as successful.

Said Leonard: "It's an exciting development for us and I'm delighted to have the deal tied up.

"It's a deal which could be beneficial to both parties.

"It is also important we widen the net in our search for players and we will be working closely with Lifford over the coming months.

"We will be looking to take the under 12s over to Lifford before the end of the season and there is also a strong possibility that our coaches will head over there and put a few sessions on.

"I used to play with Mick Kennedy (Head Coach of Lifford) at Halifax Town and that is how this deal has come about really."

Lifford Chairman John O'Neill said: "This link-up with Notts County gives our players a chance and the deal is for Lifford players only.

"Players coming through the ranks at Lifford will be given a chance at Notts County.

"Mick Kennedy will be responsible for assessing and coaching the players and Notts County will take them on."

To find out more about Lifford, please visit www.liffordafc.com.