Johannesburg - Former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett has urged South Africa's stars not to seek a European switch unless they are guaranteed to play regular first-team football.

The 36-year-old, who was the nation's top goalscorer before being surpassed by Benni McCarthy, is aware that offers will be streaming in for Joel Santana's men - especially the local-based contingent, after their impressive Confederations Cup campaign.

Orlando Pirates midfielder Teko Modise has made it clear he wants to further his career abroad and right back Siboniso Gaxa revealed he is garnering interest from Turkey and England.

However, Bartlett believes these stars should focus on keeping their places in the Bafana line-up ahead of the World Cup.

"I spoke to some players and they have to realise what their priorities are," he told The Star.

"It's nice playing in Europe but not if it comes at the cost of not playing for your country. You can earn decent money playing in South Africa, and you put yourself in a starting XI."

The striker, who plied his trade locally, in Germany, USA and in England is concerned about fellow forwards Bernard Parker and Katlego Mphela who do not feature enough for their current clubs.

Parker, who is involved in a wage dispute with Red Star Belgrade told Football365.co.za he has no idea where he will be playing his football next season as his former club Thanda Royal Zulu have been relegated.

Mphela, meanwhile, was under utilised at Sundowns and could find himself surplus to new coach Hristo Stoichkov's requirements.

"My biggest concern for Katlego and Bernard is next season. Who are they going to play for?. A lot of our players don't have clubs they play for regularly and we can't afford to be in that situation," Bartlett added.

"Bernard can't stay at Thanda and play in the First Division."

Meanwhile, the former Charlton star feels there were lots of positives to be taken from Bafana's Confederations Cup campaign.

"I was very impressed by the Confed Cup; it seems there is a structure in place and the players know what to do. The coach's tactics come across in his style of play and at times we played really well. Our good, quick passing surprised our opponents. There are a lot of positives," he concluded.