Harry Kewell believes youth players nowadays have it too easy, citing the methods of Australian rugby league coach Craig Bellamy in helping toughen new recruits up.
The former Socceroos midfielder, one of the most heralded players of his nation, is not pleased with the concept of young players having "their kits folded for them" among other things.
While Bellamy reportedly used to send young players to building sites to build up character, Kewell thinks this may be a step too far, but is still keen on easing off from having players "already living the life of a top player" and making them graft.
"We used to do so many jobs and, for me, that’s what needs to come back,” the Notts County boss told the Nottingham Post.
"I see a lot of kids now and they have their kits folded for them, they get this and that. They are already living the life of a top player because everything is laid out. They get breakfast, they get their lunch but they aren’t going to get that at every club.
"Nine out of 10 players are not going to make it so they could end up at a club where you have to take your own kit home and wash it. I think clubs should do more to prepare players in that respect.
"Back in Australia, one of our greatest coaches in rugby league is Craig Bellamy at Melbourne Storm. There is a story that goes round that when a new player comes in, he first gets them to work on a building site for a couple of weeks.
"It’s like that’s real work, but the rugby is the pleasure. We can’t really send footballers to building sites, but there are things we can do to make youngsters a little tougher.
"If they do make it then fantastic but it would also give them balance too."
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