Former England boss Steve McClaren today insists improvements in coaching would render FIFA’s ‘six-plus-five’ plan unnecessary – believing clubs like Villa prove it is possible.

Football’s world governing body wants all clubs to have just five foreign players in their team by 2012/2013 but they face opposition from the European Commission, who argue it is illegal.

McClaren does not expect the idea to come to fruition – but he has pointed to Martin O’Neill’s team as a recipe for success. Gareth Barry, Ashley Young, Gabriel Agbonlahor and Curtis Davies are all in the England set-up.

Indeed, the side which faced West Ham on the final day of the season would have passed FIFA’s planned legislation, with six English players named.

“Let’s improve the players by improving the coaching, so that eventually in five years time we have got that six and five, but the six are there on merit but not because of law,” said McClaren, speaking at Grassroots Football LIVE at the NEC today.

“The more homegrown players you’ve got the bigger the soul is. We are in danger of losing the soul if we have too many foreign influences. Look at Martin O’Neill at Aston Villa bringing young English talent through and being successful.”

McLaren also refused to be drawn on reports that Dutch side FC Twente are close to appointing him as manager.