GRAEME McGARRY

‘‘ Bringing youths into the Irn-Bru Cup has been one of the success stories of the SPFL

Colts teams need stiffer test so fifth tier is perfect for Scotland

success with their own youth teams recently?

It was while discussing the problems in youth development in Scotland with Motherwell Under-20 manager Stephen Craigan that my views on Colt teams playing down the divisions were turned around a little.

Craigan was excited and enthusiastic at that time about the prospect of his young players going up against Ross County in the Irn-Bru Cup after seeing off League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers in the previous round. It was because his players would get the chance to line up against real professionals – fully developed men.

Fir Park assistant manager Keith Lasley echoed those thoughts during the week, believing that the young players who subsequently went on to lose narrowly to the Championship side last Saturday would have learned more in that match than they would by playing 20 reserve games.

For as long as I can remember, the solution being put forward to the problem of Scottish players falling off a cliff between the ages of 16 and 21 was the return of a reserve league, where young boys were thrown in against seasoned professionals and told to sink or swim.

That move in the summer was therefore welcomed, but it has turned out be different from the development league in name only. The matches are played with all the intensity of a kickabout in the garden with your kids.

The SPFL take a kicking at times, and deservedly so, but bringing the youth teams into the Irn-Bru Cup has been one of their success stories. The more our young players are exposed to real competition, where the games matter and there is something riding on the outcome, the better.

If putting the youth teams into direct competition with teams such as East Kilbride or Cove Rangers can help them to become battle-hardened and aid their development, then bring it on. You can even call them Colts, if you must.