Mark O'Connor recently returned from his trip to Senegal and immediately paid tribute to Salif Diao.

The out-of-contract midfielder, who spent the majority of last season at the Britannia Stadium, has recently set up his own 'Soccer School' in his home country, aiming to provide youngsters with a brighter future.

The foundation is based in the country's capital Dakar and O'Connor says he was astounded by the difference in culture.

He says: "It was unbelievable, there were so many people begging and trying to sell you stuff, it was intimidating but it was also sad, there is so much poverty over there.

"Salif looked after me really well so I wasn't too intimidated by it all."

The City first team coach spent three days in West Africa, spending time looking at the 'Academy', watching matches and casting his eye over several potential targets, and admits it was a worthwhile trip.

"It was good to go there and see how different it is compared to here.

"It's brilliant really, he's laying down quite a lot of money and it's great that he's putting something back. He knows what it's like as that's what he came from; he was in that rut but he got out through football and he knows how lucky he is.

"Salif has bought a plot of land for his foundation that he set up which stages his academy, and he has now bought another plot on which he wants to put three pitches, two of which will be Astroturf.

He also wants to have a gymnasium there as well as proper changing rooms. "

The City coach is predicting a bright future for Diao's Academy, sighting the former Liverpool star as a major influence on many of the country's younger generation.

"It's quite inspiring," insists O'Connor.

"He has such star quality, if we were out and someone recognised him there were swarms of people around him wanting autographs and photographs and he just got on with it, so patient and gracious.

"He is very well liked and he conducts himself so well. I think his soccer foundation will really take off because he is determined to make it a success."

"It was a very good experience and I'd go again, Salif is a fantastic guy and he is doing everything he can to help other lads develop into what he has become."