Neil McCann has cited Liverpool star Andy Robertson as proof that colts playing in the bottom tier will benefit Scottish football.
Rangers' proposal for their youngsters and Celtic's to take part in the bottom tier of a 14-14-18 setup has sparked controversy, but McCann believes it can be beneficial.
The proposal would also see Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer avoid relegation.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, former Hearts and Rangers winger McCann said: "There are not many downsides for me.
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"There would be players getting more exposure to real football, and I think that would help us in the long run. We need to be giving kids the opportunity to play against men.
"The classic example is Andy Robertson, who left Celtic but is now captain of our country. He's captain because he got real football at a good level, and afterwards a brave manager took him to Dundee United - then he went on to flourish.
"It would also bring finance into the lower leagues. If we don't take this opportunity to sit down and chew these things over, and not just discard them out of hand, then we will miss a wonderful opportunity out of what has been a devastating Covid-19 impact on our game.
"It's addressing this unfairness for Hearts, Partick Thistle and Stranraer.
"I have a real problem with teams like that not being able to save themselves from relegation.
"There has been an argument that Hearts should just take their medicine. But people could argue Daniel [Stendel] could have had the chance to get his side one position up, which would have saved them ultimately.
"I think the lack of sporting chance for Hearts in particular to get themselves out of trouble is not right."
