Snooker coach Nic Barrow has been practicing what he preaches in a bid to qualify for this year's World Snooker Championship in Sheffield.

But away from his attempt to reach The Crucible and rekindle his playing career, the former snooker professional is setting his sights on finding a star of the future, right here in Milton Keynes.

Barrow believes the city is capable of producing the next star of snooker, and has started working his magic on young apprentice Lawrence Oliver who is already hoping to turn pro.

The 18-year-old is making a name for himself on the amateur circuit, having already secured the South of England junior title, and will be at the forefront of Barrow's star of the future search.

In order to find the next O'Sullivan, Barrow is looking to start an under 18 league at the Herald Snooker Club in Stacey Bushes, and believes that with his own experience of the game, he can help a city youngster to one day reach the big stage.

He said: "Lawrence has set his life up around snooker and that is the sort of dedication you'll need to make it.

"You need to be training around five hours a day and make sure you enjoy it because if you don't you won't last. It's as much about your ability to focus and concentrate as your level of skill.

"Lawrence already makes several 100 breaks a week and he's starting to look like a very solid player."

Barrow made the trip to Yorkshire on Friday to play his first qualifying match for the 2010 World Championship - his first competitive match since 1999.

Prior to turning his hand to coaching 39-year-old Barrow was a professional for eight years, scoring wins over the likes of Dave Harold, Fergal O'Brien, Doug Mountjoy and Paul Hunter. But, unable to meet his ambitions he poured his energy into coaching.

He spent eight years in the Middle East, working in 20 different countries and helped four players to win national titles.

Since his return to the UK in 2007, Barrow has coached O'Sullivan and was in Alfie Burden's corner when he won last year's World Amateur title.

He now says he takes a different outlook on snooker, and without putting pressure on himself, he's simply able to enjoy playing the game.

"The only reason I used to play was to be World Champion and World No 1," he explained. "Now I'm going to Sheffield just for a game of snooker.

"I was pulled like a windsock by the goals I set myself and was constantly comparing myself to other players on the ranking list. You can't afford to be too obsessed and that's what I teach to the players I coach."

Barrow is urging players who think they have what it takes to get in touch and join the league. You can show your interest by calling the Herald Club on MK 311766.