Ross County youngsters Andrew Macleod and George Robesten will be given the chance to stake a first-team claim after being recalled from loans at Brora Rangers.
The Staggies have exercised their option to bring midfielder Macleod and winger Robesten back from the Cattachs.
The pair, who are both 19, joined Highland League Brora on temporary deals in the early part of the season.
That followed fleeting appearances for the Staggies – with Macleod playing in all four of County’s Premier Sports Cup group fixtures, while Robesten also made his first two appearances from the bench in games against Dundee United and Spartans.
Although both players have now been recalled, they are ineligible to feature in this weekend’s Scottish Cup visit of Livingston – having featured for Brora earlier in the competition.
But Cowie is keen to keep their options open, refusing to rule out the possibility of them going back out on loan at SPFL level in the coming weeks, but also laying down the challenge for the pair to force their way into County first-team contention.
He said: “We’ve taken the release clause for them to come back.
“They can’t play in the Scottish Cup, but they come back into the squad and we will evaluate things as the month goes on.
“Do they stay and be part of the squad for the rest of the season, or do we look to get them into the SPFL for experience at first-team level?
“We need them right now – just in terms of numbers given the injuries we have.
“We’ve still got another couple of weeks or more until the window ends.
“They are the future of the football club, so we need to push them and see how we can get them involved in the first team.”
Smith’s progress with Arbroath being monitored
Cowie has yet to make a decision on the short-term future of defender Dylan Smith, who is on loan with League One side Arbroath.
Smith has held down a regular place since making the switch in September, making 12 appearances for the Red Lichties.
The 18-year-old has also recently captained Scotland’s under-19s side.
Amid a defensive shortage, Cowie has considered the possibility of recalling Smith from his spell at Gayfield – although he is hopeful of bolstering his backline ahead of the weekend.
Cowie is reluctant to disrupt Smith’s progress with the third-tier pacesetters, adding: “Those conversations are taking place. We have spoken to Arbroath a couple of times.
“Dylan can’t play this weekend, anyway – he is cup-tied, which rules that scenario playing out.
“Beyond that, it is definitely something we are considering.
“He is doing extremely well at Arbroath. They are challenging at the top of the table, sitting top of the league.
“If I think that is more beneficial, we would leave him at Arbroath.”
Staggies quartet have shown physical growth
Cowie insists he has constantly monitored Macleod, Robesten and Smith, along with Caley Thistle loanee Connall Ewan, during their temporary spells.
The Ross County boss has been particularly impressed by the physical development the teenage quartet have shown.
“They are challenging every day they are at this football club. We have eyes on them all the time and are seeing how well they are progressing.
“Unfortunately, Connall Ewan is injured right now, but we’re seeing how well they are looking physically.
“They are all big, powerful boys.
“It isn’t a case of them now being back and we’ll decide – we’re seeing what they are capable of on a daily basis.
“But I want them to be here to play for Ross County. I don’t want them to be here to be the 21st or 22nd man on a Saturday.
“These are the decisions we need to make for their future and to keep them progressing.”
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