Rovers will utilise youth

Albion Rovers boss admits he’ll have to call on his young reserves this season, but isn’t getting carried away after the Cliftonhill kids hammered Lanark United 7-0 in a friendly at the weekend.

A Kieran Dolan hat-trick, plus strikes from Paul Sweeney, Fernando Moniz, Jamie Mcvey and Julian Kouame earned a comfortable win over the West of Scotland League side.

Reid keeps a close eye on the young guns and says if they prove to be good enough, he won’t be afraid to play them in League Two.

With just over six weeks to go until the new season kicks-off, Reid has warned there will be tougher tests to come though.

He said: “i’m always watching how the young ones get on and we train alongside them as well, so it gives me a better chance to see how they get on with the first team players.

“No disrespect to Lanark, or Forth the week before, but these teams are just back after most of a season out, whereas our boys have been playing.

“But you’ve still got to go and beat what’s in front of you. It’s a clean sheet and they scored a few goals so that will give them a wee boost, but there will be tougher opposition out there.

“We brought Alfie Robinson through on a professional contract, Kyle Docherty is another one that’s come through as well, so there is an opportunity for the young boys.

“I’ve said before I don’t care if they are 17 or 18, if they are good enough they’ll get a chance in the team.

”We’ll have to utilise a few of these players throughout the season.”

Although youth will be a focus for Reid, he’s still hoping to bring in a couple of new faces before the big kick-off on July 31.

He added: “last season we were going with a small squad, trying to get more quality in over quantity and that’s the way we’ve gone.

“At the moment I’ve got room left for maybe two or three if I speak nicely to the chairman and we need a couple in to give us a boost.”

Eagle-eyed Reid will spot top talent