Concussion substitutes tobetrialled

Scottish Professional Football League clubs have given the green light forthe useof‘concussion substitutes’.

The new rule comesinto place ona trial basis fromsaturday and could be extendedforthe rest of this season.

That would allow clubslike Airdrie and Albion Rovers - should thelower leagues return this season- to make twoadditionalsubsif a player goes off with a serious head injury.

When aconcussion substitute is used, theopposing teamhastheoption to usean additionalsub forany reason.

Thechange wassuggested by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in December2020, fora trial betweenjanuary and August2021.

SPFL chief executive Neil Doncaster said:“thesafety and wellbeing of players is clearly of the utmost importance to everyoneinvolvedwith running football.

“[Last] Monday’s tragic newsthat Gordon Mcqueenhas beendiagnosed withdementia is the latest reminder of why it is vital that we doeverything we can to protect those playing our game.

“We have seen a great deal of positive developmentin concussion protocols across sport in recent years and hopeour participation in this trial will bethe next step in that process.

“The Sfarefereeing department has already startedbriefing clubson the details of, with that process continuing in advanceof thechangecoming into force on March 6.”

Airdrieonians boss Ian Murray has been linked to the vacant managerial position at Championship side Ayr United.

The Honest Men parted company with Mark Kerr after a run of one win in 10 games.

The Somerset Park side are second bottom of the division and reports this week suggest Diamonds boss Murray is among the candidates being looked at, along with exdundee boss Jim Mcintyre and former Rangers defender Maurice Ross.

Airdrieonians are currently sidelined due to the lower league football suspension, with Murray and his players unavailable for comment on football matters since the shutdown was enforced in January.