Malky really does want to see men against boys
SFA performance director Malky Mackay insists the SPFL also have a crucial role to play in creating an environment for youngsters to thrive.
The former Cardiff City boss is tasked with overseeing a radical overhaul of the pro youth structure, with the existing 29 funded elite academies to be reduced to 16.
A more flexible loan system and the reintroduction of the traditional reserve league has also been discussed, while Mackay is also eager to explore the idea of colt sides playing in the professional set-up.
All 42 clubs had until Friday to submit their feedback on the idea of colts being introduced. Celtic and Rangers are thought to be keen, with the idea being that ‘B’ sides would start in either the Lowland or Highland Leagues and would only be able to progress as high as League One.
Mackay insists the proposal should be given serious consideration.
He said: “It’s absolutely a discussion point, I’m part of a working party which is involved with the SPFL discussing that whole thing.
“It’s an ongoing strand alongside what reserve football should look like as well. It’s not our, the SFA, gift to give, it’s an SPFL discussion.
“There are a lot of things to factor in. Where will those teams play? What league would they play in when you look at the pyramid system in Scottish football in terms of the Lowlands, Highlands and Juniors.
“Promotion and relegation? Where would that sit? How would clubs fund it if it’s played at the same time on a Saturday as the first team? Do they have the ability to staff it? “Where are they going to play?” Mackay admits the benefits of youngsters going up against seasoned campaigners is also crucial to their development.
He added: “It’s about talking to the SPFL about making the loan system more flexible to allow the 19 to 21-year-olds to get out and have a pathway to come through and to have a reserve league as opposed to a development league when the reserve league has at least four or five players who are overage.
“That means you are playing with, and against, men. That’s the biggest thing which will bring our players on. No one disagrees with that.”