Michael O'Neill insists Northern Ireland must be "proactive" when it comes to the issue of player eligibility.
O'Neill has returned to the international helm after almost three years away, signing a five-and-a-half-year deal with the Irish FA.
The 53-year-old says identifying fresh talent will continue at pace, but admits it remains a challenge to hold onto players who qualify for other nations.
Read more: O'Neill 'not after a statue' as he plots new Northern Ireland course
A recent example saw Belfast's Mark Sykes make the switch to the Republic of Ireland after playing underage football for Northern Ireland, while Rangers youngster Charlie McCann is one player who has moved in the opposite direction.
It is a double-edged sword O'Neill was conscious of during his first spell with Northern Ireland, and his approach hasn't changed.
"Eligibility is extremely important, there’s no doubt about that. You only have to look at some of the emerging nations in the World Cup," he said.
“Eligibility is used a lot in those squads and they find some great players that way.
“It’s important for us to be proactive in that because it’s hugely important. it's so difficult for our younger players to break through into the English game and I know Aaron (Hughes, IFA Technical Director)is looking at alternatives to that.
"I think our domestic league being stronger is a positive and players can stay longer - Trai Hume is a good example of that , being able to step in quite quickly and being in or around Sunderland’s first team or in the squad on a consistent basis.
“You’re always looking for that player who can make an instant improvement and eligibility provides that."
O'Neill also highlighted the examples of Northern Ireland teenagers Shea Charles and Isaac Price who were identified from a young age.
Manchester City defender Charles featured for Ian Baraclough's senior side, while Price has played for England and Northern Ireland at youth level but also qualifies for Germany and the Republic.
“We did a huge amount of work with Andy [Cousins}. Shea Charles and Isaac Price, that work was done from ages 14 to 16," O'Neill added.
"You have to do that as an association. If we are going to host a tournament in five years' time, a player who could be playing for us in that tournament might be 14 or 15 now.
"Just look at Jude Bellingham playing at the World Cup at 19 now, he’s phenomenal.
“We have to work hard at it because it is so competitive, it’s an aggressive market and we have to make sure we’re in it.”
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