Halt to games can help young players

The coronavirus shutdown may seem disastrous for Scottish football but it is an opportunity for the country’s young players, according to Dundee boss James McPake.

Clubs up and down the land have begun releasing senior players, with finances stretched.

It is likely many will operate with smaller squads than usual when the new season kicks off, with smaller budgets enforced – and that is where youth players will get their chance, says the Dens Park boss.

Having moved up to the manager’s job from the club’s academy, McPake has not been slow in blooding youngsters.

Eighteen-year-old Fin Robertson is a key example, playing 21 times and winning the club’s young player of the year award while other youth players like Lyall Cameron, Max Anderson and Josh Mulligan all made appearances last season.

With lockdown restrictions keeping youngsters off the pitch and the majority of Dundee’s staff placed on furlough, McPake has tried to lift the spirits of the youth players.

He said: “I did a few webinars for the youth academy at the start because this is an important time for them.

“Losing the months they have is significant and they’ve had to take a lot on themselves.

“But the way I see it is this is an opportunity for young players to come back in when we start again and show they’re ready to make an impact.

“Young players right across the country have to see this as a chance.

“Being a good player gets you into an academy but it’s the dedication of listening to the coaches and putting the work in that takes you to the next level.”