Northern Ireland boss Nigel Worthington believes Linfield striker Peter Thompson would become a better player if he secured a cross-channel move.
Thompson, the top scorer in the Irish Premier League, has been linked with a possible move to SPL club Kilmarnock.
"For the long term of the boy, I would like to think no club would stand in the way of him trying to improve himself," said Worthington.
"Peter would benefit from playing in a higher league."
Kilmarnock have denied making a definite cash offer for Thompson, while Linfield chairman Jim Kerr has insisted the NI international would be staying at Windsor Park.
Worthington said it would be a boost to Northern Ireland if Thompson moved to a Scottish or English club.
"I know everybody is trying to look after themselves, but to play at a higher level would be important to Peter and it would also be good for Northern Ireland.
"We have a few strikers but you never have enough.
"To have four, five or six, to mix and match with would be most useful."
Thompson has made seven appearances for Northern Ireland and scored his first international goal in the friendly against Georgia in March.
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