Powell could head to Scandinavia.
Former U’s defender Conor Powell could be set for a move to Finland, all thanks to FIFPro, the world player’s union.
The 26 year old, who spent a short spell with the club in 2011 making two league appearances, was released by Irish side Shamrock Rovers at the end of the Irish season in October.
On Thursday, alongside 16 other unemployed players, Powell was part of the Ireland team that took part in the FIFPro winter tournament in Oslo, Norway.
An annual competition, the showcase involves out of contract players from four countries – Ireland, Finland, Norway and Sweden – with scouts and coaches from Scandinavia and Europe present to run the rule over prospective signings.
Powell started both matches for Ireland – a 1-2 defeat to eventual winners Finland and a 2-3 penalty defeat to Sweden – and although being open to a contract offer from a League of Ireland club, the left back would prefer to try his luck abroad.
Reports today claim there has been interest in him from a Finnish club, KTP. If nothing comes of that, Powell would be open to playing in Australia or even America.
"I’m looking to do something abroad and if it’s not here, then somewhere else," he told the Irish Independent.
"A lot of other Irish players have done it and they’ve had great experiences. I’ve had a chat with them and they’ve said I won’t regret it if I try it, even for a year.
"I’d like to try something else. The League of Ireland has stood still and the good times have passed it by. A different experience would be good at this time."
Powell’s brief spell at Col U, where he played alongside fellow countryman David Mooney, is to date his only football experience outside of Ireland.
However, the defender has amassed two league titles and six cup wins in various competitions throughout his career in the Emerald Isle.