Ross County manager Jim McIntyre has warned he will have no qualms about handing youngsters an opportunity if first-team players fail to perform.
McIntyre has drafted several youngsters into recent first-team squads, with former Dundee United midfielder Reghan Tumilty making his debut as a substitute in December’s 2-0 defeat against Celtic at Parkhead.
Defender Chris McLaughlin and attacker Greg Morrison have also made appearances from the bench in recent weeks, while former Rangers midfielder Dylan Dykes was an unused substitute in a 0-0 draw against Dundee at Dens Park last month.
McIntyre has been impressed with some of the talent emerging from Stuart Kettlewell’s Development League side and says the opportunity handed to Tumilty, 19, shows no senior player can take a place for granted.
McIntyre said: “We felt Reghan has been doing particularly well of late. He has been training with us and in the Celtic game we felt with his pace he could pose more problems than Tony Dingwall or Ryan Dow.
“Players in that position need to do more if they want to play. If not, the young boys will get a chance.”
Youngsters could get chance to step up if first-team players fail
