Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes will give his young players a chance against Dundee today to show the future is bright at Pittodrie.
Seventeen-year-olds Frank Ross and Scott Wright as well as Daniel Harvie, 16, will all be included in a youthful Dons squad to face the Dark Blues at Dens Park this afternoon.
A more experienced campaigner, Russell Anderson, is also expected to feature for the first time since August in his penultimate match as an Aberdeen player before retirement.
The Dons have struggled to overcome Dundee this season having drawn their previous two encounters and lost 2-1 at Dens in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup in November.
McInnes said: “Dundee have been excellent this season. We have found them very tough opponents, as tough as any.
“We sent Mark Reynolds and Niall McGinn away after the Celtic game.
“Both boys are likely to be involved internationally in June and are likely to have to meet up for that at the end of the month.
“We won’t see them until Thursday as we have given them 10 to 11 days off.
“Both boys were keen to be involved on the last day to get a game ahead of any international involvement and that was why we came up with this agreement.
“Kenny McLean, Willo Flood and Ryan Jack are all on five bookings and we aren’t going to take the risk any of them playing again this season.
“We know any booking in the last two games would see them suspended for next season and I am not prepared to take that risk.
“It is a big chunk of our team that is away but I am doing it for our benefit next season.”
McInnes says top scorer Adam Rooney may also be rested after he was called up for Ireland’s 33-man provisional squad to face England and Scotland next month.
This could pave the way for free-scoring under-20 forward Lawrence Shankland to make his second start of the season.
The Aberdeen manager said: “Adam is another one who might come into the category of needing rest.
“I am delighted for him.
“He is a very grounded boy and very appreciative of his team-mates.
“I know he is over the moon to get into the 33 and the next thing is to force his way into the cut and then Martin O’Neill’s plans for the future.
“He has persevered and he has got his rewards and I hope he can now take this opportunity.
“Part of you as a manager you want them to get the rest for Aberdeen duty but we are delighted all the same that his work is being recognised.”