Rangers manager Steven Gerrard reckons Old Firm 'B' teams in the Lowland League will be a huge boost to the future of our national game as a whole.
And the Liverpool legend insists young kids playing against men in the fifth tier will benefit Steve Clarke and other Scotland managers in the future.
Rangers and Celtic Colt proposals were given the go-ahead by Lowland League clubs last night, with an 11-5 vote going in favour of welcoming the teams into the setup from next season, on a one-year basis.
And speaking at his press conference against of Rangers clash away to Livingston tomorrow night, Gerrard gave his full support to the plans.
He said: "I think it will be fantastic for everyone, if people decide not to just think about themselves. If they think about Scotland and improving the national team on all levels.
"What we want is to give the kids the chance to develop into better players. If you can play against men earlier, play for important points and gives these kids more responsibility and put them in pressure situations, playing in front of crowds and being challenged, that can only be for the benefit of the country.
"Obviously I'm sitting here as the Rangers manager and a lot of people will think I'm just saying that because I'm at Rangers and I'm being selfish.
"I understand those opinions but if I take myself out of the Rangers environment and think about the Scottish game and the national team, I think this is a big plus for Steve Clarke and any future Scotland manager that a lot more Scottish kids are getting challenged earlier.
"This brings you on quicker than playing games that - I wouldn't say don't matter - but have less significance and pressure on them."
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He added: "If you think about improving the national team on all levels it will hopefully give players the chance to develop earlier & put them in pressure situations playing against tough challenges in front of crowds.
"A lot more talented Scottish kids will develop a lot quicker."
