Smith move showing up Scottish system’s flaws

I’VE no doubt Kerr Smith will go on to shine at Aston Villa.

It is a huge move for the kid but he’s got the temperament – and the ability – to take that in his stride.

It will be a difficult year for him.

Becoming a pro footballer in itself is incredibly tough for anybody.

But now he has a big move to contend with – leaving home and all his friends to head down to Birmingham.

That will be difficult but if he concentrates 100% on his football and gets that right, the rest will fall into place for him.

For Dundee United, it’s a great bit of business as well.

They have invested a lot in their academy to produce players for their first team.

The plan is also to sell them which they have done with Kerr.

It’s yet another indication of the massive difference in finances between England and Scotland, though.

It could be a big deal for the Tangerines.

For Villa, it’s a tiny part of their overall budget.

Saying that, though, I don’t think we do ourselves any favours up here.

To me, the Scottish football system fails kids like Kerr, where they are too good or too old for under-18 football but not quite good enough to hold down a regular first-team place.

There is a big gap between under-18s and first-team yet I don’t see us doing anything about it.

Yes, there are under-20s teams but those matches are few and far between right now.

Clubs, the SFA and everyone involved have limitations in terms of funding and all that, I know.

But I can’t help but feel we are shooting ourselves in the foot.

This is exactly why Rangers and Celtic have fought to get Colt teams into the Lowland League, to get their players experience of playing football at a good level.

Because there is a void between the 18s and the top team.

So, for Kerr, there isn’t really a decision to be made is there?

Do you stay at your club where under-18 football doesn’t test you but you’re not really getting a look in at first-team level?

Or go down south to join an under-23 team where you will get tested and there’s a chance at a Premier League club?

This isn’t a go at Dundee United, by the way, just to be clear.

But, if you ask the likes of Chris Mochrie or Lewis Neilson if they feel they are really being pushed I suspect they’d say no.

It is a crucial part in a player’s development.

The loan system is there but it is hit and miss. Sometimes players don’t play.

Having small leagues means there is pressure on every single club and would they be willing to throw in an untested youngster with promotion or relegation on the line?

There are some seriously talented boys in this country but if they don’t get to play, what’s the point?

Kerr Smith has a wonderful opportunity and I’ve no doubt he will take it.

I can’t help but feel we’re not giving others enough help to realise their own potential.

Kerr Smith has joined Aston Villa after a limited amount of first-team games at Dundee United.