Clachnacuddin manager Brian MacLeod feels putting his faith in youth can help the Lilywhites offset the financial gulf in the Highland League.
The Inverness outfit, who are 16th in the table, were defeated 4-2 by leaders Cove Rangers on Saturday, with John Sheran’s men netting twice in the final 13 minutes to preserve their 100% league record.
MacLeod has high hopes for a number of youngsters coming through at Grant Street Park and is determined to give them a platform to impress despite the challenges of competing in the league.
MacLeod said: “That’s the route we want to go down. We want to try and create a pathway for guys to get into the first team, but with that we will get slight inconsistency in results.
“We are trying to get that balance of getting positive results again but trying to create an environment where we can get these young players in, because there is so much talent coming through at the moment.
“Financially you can’t compete against the top sides. What you can match them with is effort, commitment and desire which money can’t buy.
“We have to think of our own way we can compete without having finances. We have to be clever in other areas, and put our resources and time into that instead of worrying about what other teams are spending.”
MacLeod hopes to show his vision for the future by tying up three of the Lilywhites’ youngsters on extended deals this week, adding: “We are trying to introduce some younger players into the team. Young Thomas McInnes has started the last two games and is only 17. He either plays striker or on the left and he has impressed me greatly.
“I think he’s got a big future but there’s a few more who won’t be far away. Him, Ross Logan and Ally Gillies are three we are looking to get signed on longer contracts in the coming days. Hopefully we can get that tied up this week.”