Graham Coughlan says the trio of Bristol Rovers youth players who have impressed in pre-season will be given a first-team chance this season.
Three Rovers youngsters, Luca Hoole, Lucas Tomlinson and Alfie Kilgour have played regularly in pre-season, and all have impressed.
Kilgour was given a taste of first-team football last season when Tom Lockyer was away on international duty, but Rovers' relegation battle meant Coughlan was unable to use Hoole and Tomlinson as much as he would have liked.
However, Coughlan says he is planning on using them all in his squad this season.
He told BBC Radio Bristol's Sports Forum: "We've got some really exciting products in the academy, Alfie Kilgour is one I have high hopes for.
"I took another couple away on pre-season to Dublin, we have high hopes for Luca Hoole and Lucas Tomlinson.
"We have to create that pathway for them because we can't go out and splash and spend, so we have to have a pathway.
"It's pointless having academy systems if you don't give kids a chance so we have to give them a chance."
Coughlan says he is impressed with how the players have settled into the first-team squad in pre-season.
He said: "They have no fear.
"Young players, when they have no fear, they're scary and frightening, to be honest.
"It's the ones who get up tight, get tense and get nervous that can't handle the pressure of a big game on a Saturday.
"I see young lads with no fear, I love the way they've come in and acquitted themselves.
"They've got involved, they bonded, gelled with the rest of the squad and they've held their own to be honest.
"They weren't bullied or put down and I'm excited for them, to be honest, they've been given an opportunity and they've taken it and seized it."
