Dom Dwyer is urging Norfolk's top talent to broaden their horizons if they want to fulfil their footballing dreams.

The 24-year-old has blazed a trail of success that he is keen for others to follow, despite struggling to become a professional in England. A move to America six years ago is now reaping its rewards with the striker regarded as one of the biggest names in Major League Soccer (MLS).

The Sporting Kansas City frontman's rise to stardom may have been an unconventional one.

But Dwyer feels other youngsters, including those from the county in which he grew up, should consider moving Stateside if their path to the full-time scene is blocked at home.

'I'd absolutely encourage it,' said Dwyer, who has just been rewarded for a stunning 2014 season with a new three-year contract.

'I'm not going to say it's easy because it's definitely not easy. The hardest bit is trying to get out to the university and then once you get to the university trying to be on a team and get yourself on to a team.

'It's definitely not easy and it's not the easy route, so I wouldn't say it that way. But it's definitely a different route and if your opportunities became limited in England then I'd definitely recommend it.'

Dwyer, a former Norwich City Academy player, lived in King's Lynn during his early teenage years before taking up a soccer scholarship at Texas' Tyler Junior College in 2009.

Two years later he moved on to the University of South Florida where another successful season saw him selected by Sporting KC in the MLS Draft of 2012.

- To read more from Gavin Caney's chat with Dwyer, and see a picture gallery of the American-based sensation, click here.

- To listen to the full interview with the striker – the special guest on the most recent West Norfolk Sports Podcast – click here and go to episode 52, or visit www.edp24.co.uk/wnsp

- Video supplied by YouTube channel HighlightSoccerTV