Worked with an Aussie guy once at a bank, who spent 2 years in the youth system at Blackburn (cleaned Robbie Slater's boots), and another 2 years at Leicester. Early 2000's.
He openly said his UK passport (Scottish Dad), and Dad's connections at his Brisbane youth club - helped him get to the UK. Maybe he was being modest. Came home trialled for some Sydney NSL team, got injured. Moved back to QLD.
He named about 3-4 English blokes from his youth days I'd never heard of, who progressed onto modest EPL/Championship careers.
The one standout he played in youth teams with (Leicester) was Emile Heskey. Apparently just a beast at that young age. In a nutshell very few make it.