Okon coached Australia at under-20 level from 2012 to 2016 and was an assistant for the Olyroos during the same period.

The 44-year-old was also part of Australia’s golden generation, earning 28 Socceroos caps, having moved to Belgium from Marconi Stallions as a teenager.

He was also part of the Young Socceroos and Olyroos squads which finished fourth at the 1991 Under-20 World Cup and 1992 Olympics respectively.

The Olyroos have failed to qualify for the past two Olympics, while the Under-20s have missed the past two World Cups as well.

In fact, the Young Socceroos haven’t won a game at an Under-20 World Cup since 2003, a far cry from when they finished fourth in both 1991 and 1993 and made the Round of 16 in three of four tournaments from 1997 to 2003.

The Joeys have also failed to qualify for three of the past five Under-17 World Cups, having been runners-up in 1999 and quarter-finalists in five of six tournaments from 1985 to 1995.

Okon said a lack of opportunities in Australia’s elite competitions for young players was a big issue, along with the lack of a centralized second tier competition.

“I definitely think we need to expand. Ten teams is not enough,” Okon told Fox Sports’ Shootout program.

“Is it viable? Is it sustainable? That’s a question for the FFA. They don’t want to see a situation like Gold Coast United.

“One area where I think is a big concern is the second tier competition.

“What happens underneath the A-League where kids aren’t ready to make that step, playing in the NPL competition where at the moment it doesn’t cut it?

“I’d like something done there at that level to make our second division professional like other countries around the world where those players have the opportunity to play year round competitive football and make the step if they’re good enough into the A-League competition.”

Okon pointed to the example of one of his young players, Australia Under-20 international Liam Rose, who had barely played professionally prior to his breakthrough 2015/16 season.

“I do agree with Viddie (Aurelio Vidmar) about our most talented young players not playing enough meaningful games in the season,” Okon said.

“There’s two tiers of players, the most talented youth players and the next ones underneath.

“It’s how best we manage that and get games into those players.

“I look at a young player like Liam Rose at Central Coast. In the past two years, he hasn’t played enough football.

“If he goes to an international tournament, he’s going to struggle.

“It’s not only Liam Rose, there’s another 10-12 players there, so it’s going to make it difficult to qualify for this tournament.”

Okon also said there weren’t enough Australians playing in top leagues nowadays and youngster were being introduced into academies at too late an age.