Football agent Cesare Marchetti believes Scots talent should try foreign game because Scots Premiership isn't good enough

They're often considered untrustworthy and, seen from the outside, as opportunists ready to take advantage of a footballer's desire to try his hand in a bigger league.

Yes, the life and work of a football agent in Scotland is scrutinised at every opportunity.

Deals are often brokered by these men and women, after all.

Supporters, without knowing the ins and outs of an agent's day-to-day, rely on these people at times to make sure their beloved clubs get the player they want.

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According to agent Cesare Marchetti, however, Scottish football is NOT the right environment for homegrown talent to be nurtured properly.

Marchetti, 33, has worked in and around Scottish football for a number of years.

In fact, he became one of the youngest licensed football agents in the world back when he started in 2013.

He has been involved in a number of deals in Scotland including bringing ex-Lille striker Emil Lyng to Dundee Utd, moving Ross Laidlaw to Hibs and garnering interest from Dinamo Bucharest in Hamilton star Ziggy Gordon.

Originally from Glasgow, Marchetti started out dealing in the UK but has since branched out into the wider world of Poland, Hungary and Iceland.

And he has watched players he represents flourish abroad.

Cesare Marchetti has advised Scots to play abroad

Iceland, for example, have succeeded in recent years where Scotland has failed in terms of qualifying for international tournaments

So Marchetti - of Deadline Day Sports - wants more Scottish lads and players from the Premiership to take the plunge and try their hand at foreign football - to give them a chance at worldwide success.

He said: "Football is different in every country.

"Obviously the rules are the same but so many factors come into play. 

"In warmer countries the game is slower and more technical whereas elsewhere the game is always more physical and faster. 

"Foreign clubs look at technical ability and tactical aspects. 

"To play in Italy, for example, you have to understand tactics and positions on the pitch, as the game is very technical. 

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"In Poland the league is more technical than Scotland but also has a strong physical aspect. 

"I think in Scotland the big difference is the training. Clubs in Italy for example train five days a week, the players are at the club all day and usually do two sessions. 

"In Scotland we have a different mentality. 

"I think technical players, who don’t have the physicality for Scotland, can make a good living from football abroad."

He added: "I would tell Scottish players they should go and play on the continent ahead of moving to League One in England or smaller Championship clubs. 

"The Polish Ekstraklasa is more technical than the Scottish Premiership and players learn more tactical and technical skills in training.

"I think a year or two abroad makes Scottish players better and, if they do well, they'll get a good move to England or another European club.

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"The money in Europe is a step up as well, a lot higher than players would earn in Scotland.

"I think it's good as a human being as well to experience living in another country - it helps you grow as a person."

Marchetti meanwhile does not subscribe to the notion that agents are the "demons" they're made out to be.

While he admits there can be "good and bad" intermediaries, he reckons he and colleagues get a bad rep despite the vital work they do.

And he was quick to clear up a misconception about agency fees - insisting Scottish agents don't make half as much as fans think they do.

He said: "Agents are demonised unfairly by the media and clubs, but they're vital in looking after player careers and interests.

"Clubs also rely on agents helping to bring and move players, as well as using agents to enhance their scouting network.

"Clubs can also dispose of players in a ruthless manner as soon as that player is no longer useful to them. 

"This is a side of the game fans don’t see.

Marchetti took Emil Lyng to Dundee United

"Of course you get good agents and bad agents, just like any other profession."

On fees and earnings, Marchetti added: "There isn’t as much money in being a football agent as people perceive. 

"In Scotland, agent fees are extremely low, usually around three to five per cent of a contract.

"In the English Premier League, where players are on massive money, of course agents make more there. 

"For agents, like players, money abroad tends to be better than in Scotland.

"But anyone who thinks being a football agent is a get rich quick scheme is deluded.

"It is extremely hard work and you need a strong work ethic and a strong backbone.

"The most important person is your client. You have to put their interests first and look after them."

This is the first in a series of interviews with Cesare Marchetti.