Brisbane Roar coach John Aloisi reckons off-contract A-League striker Jamie Maclaren should stay with Brisbane until at least the 2018 World Cup.
Maclaren earned his first Socceroos cap earlier this year after emerging as the A-League's best Australian striker with 20 goals last season, only behind golden boot winner Bruno Fornaroli.
But instead of rushing off overseas, Aloisi believes the 23-year-old -- who is off contract with the Roar at the end of the season -- should hang around the domestic scene for a little while longer.
"I've said it to Jamie and I've said it publicly: Jamie needs to stay in the A-League a little bit longer," Aloisi told reporters on Tuesday.
"Do I think he'll go overseas one day? Yes. Do I think he's going to be a regular Socceroo? Yes.
"But at the moment, Jamie needs to focus on playing well for Brisbane Roar.
"Hopefully, he stays another two seasons [so] he goes to the [2018] World Cup having had three good years under his belt."
The Roar are soon expected to begin discussions with Maclaren over a new contract.
If they can't tie him down, Maclaren will be free to sign a pre-contract with any new club in January before leaving on a free transfer at the end of the 2016-17 season.
A club from a major European league reportedly made an approach last month for Maclaren, but he claims to be in no rush to leave Brisbane.
"I'm happy here; that's a big part in football -- if you're happy off the field, as well, and I definitely am," he said.
"With 20 goals [last season], it's a lot to live up to but I believe I can do it.
"But it's also about improving and I think I've got a long way to go.
"With John, the coaching staff and some new faces around at the club as well, it should be a good environment to be in."
Maclaren will spearhead the Roar's attack in Wednesday's FFA Cup clash with Perth at Ballymore.