21-01-2016, 16:17
It's not the way players are treated when they've developed that is the problem though (let's not make this about 'young' players - these guys are U20 level - very close to being fully developed football-wise).
As a nation Scotland needs to provide environments for truly young players to learn and develop. We should be looking at other nations who historically do much better than we do with similar resources. How does Uruguay provide so many top class footballers, for instance. Or Sweden, Norway and Denmark?
Countries like these are developing their young players far better than we are - and have been doing so consistently for decades. Why? It's certainly not done by playing selected U20s against third division senior teams.
It's done by teaching their young footballers the necessary skills of the game and focusing on technical ability over brutish strength and stamina.
The SPFL are being knee-jerkingly short-sighted to the point of embarrassment.
As a nation Scotland needs to provide environments for truly young players to learn and develop. We should be looking at other nations who historically do much better than we do with similar resources. How does Uruguay provide so many top class footballers, for instance. Or Sweden, Norway and Denmark?
Countries like these are developing their young players far better than we are - and have been doing so consistently for decades. Why? It's certainly not done by playing selected U20s against third division senior teams.
It's done by teaching their young footballers the necessary skills of the game and focusing on technical ability over brutish strength and stamina.
The SPFL are being knee-jerkingly short-sighted to the point of embarrassment.