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Former Down GAA star Charlie Smyth was discovered through the NFL's international player pathway programme

Former NFL coach Phoebe Schecter reckons American Football scouts could follow Aussie Rules recruiters by checking out the GAA market in search of the next Charlie Smyth.

The New Orleans place kicker started his sporting career with Down’s Gaelic footballers before the Saints discovered him through the NFL’s international player pathway programme.

Smyth then landed two last-gasp kicks to win matches for the Saints last season - one from 56 yards, the next from 47 yards - bagging a fresh three-year deal in the process.

And Schecter - who is also a gamechanger after becoming the first British woman to coach at a NFL franchise - is convinced there will be more Irish talent headhunted in the future.

The former Buffalo Bills coach and Sky Sports analyst said: “Charlie’s achievements have been amazing.

"He is an incredible talent and a determined, brilliant person.

“And right across the NFL, conversations will be ongoing. ‘Can we get someone who can kick 60-yard field goals?’ Because if you can find that player, that person who can kick, your gameplan can change.

“Scouts know all about Charlie.

“They have seen his progression and they will be asking if there is more talent coming through.

“And I have no doubt there is.

“I have seen Gaelic football and hurling. They are two incredible sports. Skills are transferable from those sports to (American) football. Rugby is the same.

“To be able to kick the ball huge distances, that is an incredible skill and it can be so useful in a football context.

“So, I would imagine scouts would be interested in getting players to come through the College system, too - not just the International Pathway Programme.”

American Football Broadcaster Phoebe Schecter was at the Aviva Stadium yesterday to promote the Aer Lingus College Football Classic whichreturns to Dublin on Saturday, 29 August . The matchup will see the TCU Horned Frogs face the UNC Tar Heels