Brian Rice has urged the Old Firm to keep pushing for B teams in the SPFL as he blasted clubs for voting against it.
A proposal for Celtic and Rangers Colts to join the leagues was kiboshed earlier this week as a league meeting, which would have added an extra six teams to the SPFL.
It would have introduced clubs from the Highland and Lowland Leagues as well as B teams from Ibrox and Celtic Park.
And Rice hopes that one day they will finally get their wish to bring them into the league.
He’s frustrated that it hasn’t already happened and believes it’s vital for the game that it does in the future.
The Hamilton boss is delighted with his own club’s ability to bring through youths but believes it’s harder at the big two and that’s why he feels Colt teams will be a major boost to Scottish football.
He said:“Things like this set us back. I’m really disappointed.
“You look all over Europe and there are colts teams or second teams playing in proper leagues.
“The clubs benefit but more importantly the youngsters coming through benefit playing competitive football in a league structure.
“I can understand financially and other sides where clubs maybe don’t want them in or they see it as a threat.
“But my own personal opinion is we’ve got to get these teams into leagues and make it competitive.
“Don’t give up, keep pushing. If you give up what message are you sending to the kids?
“They are the future of Scottish football so never give up. One day that door might open.”
