Jim Goodwin believes the new season could provide one of the best opportunities yet for young players to make a name for themselves.
Many Premiership clubs are set to run with smaller squads due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
And the St Mirren gaffer believes this will open the door for academy players to get vital minutes on the pitch to make an impression.
Goodwin said: “I think a number of clubs will have to utilise their academy more than ever this season.
“Our young lads Jay Henderson, Lewis Jamieson and Josh Jack were brought up for pre-season to have a look at.
“We won’t have the biggest of squads so we will need some of the best academy kids to make up the numbers.
“They haven’t disappointed us so far.
"Their fitness levels are good, physically they are getting stronger and they have bundles of energy as they are desperate to impress.
“Jay scored a great goal against Hibs the other day and they all certainly haven’t let themselves down so far.”
The Saints kids will have another chance to impress this Saturday when the club take on Hamilton in their next pre-season friendly.
