Mark Allen has urged Scottish clubs to listen to Pep Guardiola and allow Old Firm Colt teams into the SPFL.
Ajax have proved the worth of early experience as several kids who came through their reserve side in the Dutch second tier helped beat Juventus last week to reach the Champions League semi-final.
Allen wants Rangers and Celtic to do the same and the Ibrox director of football is frustrated that so far SPFL clubs have blocked entry into the pyramid system for the Glasgow duo.
Allen, who worked with former Barcelona B boss Guardiola at Manchester City, said: “I urge people to think very seriously about this. It’s the only thing holding our game back right now.
“It’s about establishing a playground and understanding that if we do it, our youngsters will have a future in the game.
The taboo subject that means Celtic and Rangers can't replicate Ajax route to success
"Pep is on record saying the problem he has found at Manchester City with the youngsters is the Under-23 league doesn’t test them. He’s come from the Barcelona B model so he has seen it in action.
“Most leagues have this Colt system. From my time at City, I know Leroy Sane was playing B team football (in Germany) at the age of 16 and 17. Matthijs de Ligt at Ajax was in their reserve team at 16 as well.
“We’re failing the young players by not giving them that chance because they’re good enough.
“It’s a proven model that Europe are able to convert.
“They create an asset base. This Ajax team is worth a fortune now when it has cost them virtually
nothing to produce. The model’s there financially as well.”
