The Glory coach knows that scouts from all over the world will be watching the Olympic tournament in China with Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Nikita Rukavytysa and Tando Velaphi all on show.

Mitchell is thrilled to see his youngsters gaining international recognition and while he accepts that they may look to move on at some stage, it has to be the right time.

The coach believes the club's owners must balance the benefits of some short term cash with the desire to establish a football club that can establish itself as one of the A-League success stories.

Mitchell toldau.fourfourtwo.com: "You don't want to stand in anyone's way but I think you have to draw a line in the sand. Yes, there's the Olympics and the potential for players to be sold on.

"You look at Tando, Nikolai and Nikita and if all those players get sold on from a coaching point of view you can't expect much because they're three of your best players.

"You have to have a bit of stability. If we can have that stability and keep them on board then we're going to have more chance of cracking that top four.

"If you don't (keep them) then you're making the job extremely harder. Okay, do you get a good price in a transfer or is the longevity of the club and making that top four (consistently) what you're looking for?

"That's an issue the owners have to look at and one I think they're pretty sound on."