Former Celtic star Kris Commons reckons league reconstruction is vital for the progress of Scottish football's top talent.
And he defended controversial revamp plans - pointing to a study that showed that the top 10 clubs who produced talent for their countries national teams at the World Cup all had B teams. The proposal that is currently on the table would see Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Aberdeen Colt sides introduced to a new look Scottish Conference at the fifth tier of the pyramid.
Alongside the Scottish Premiership B teams some Highland and Lowland Leagues would be included, and the plans could be fast-tracked to be introduced next season. Sceptics have pointed to the West of Scotland, South of Scotland, and East of Scotland divisions that sit at tier six that would be bypassed by the revamped set-up. However, Commons insists that the proposal is the best move to progress young talent for the Scottish national team.
Writing for the Daily Mail, Commons said: "When young players are sent out to face men, it takes their game to another level. That's why Celtic and Rangers have been fielding B teams in the Lowland League as guests since 2021. That arrangement is now in doubt and it makes sense that they want a permanent pathway for players aged between 17 and 21 to progress.
"You simply can't buy that kind of experience. It propels a player's game to greater heights because they need to learn how to think and how to move that bit quicker to avoid injury. They become physically and mentally tougher in the process.
"And then, on top of all that, their ability as a footballer will shine through. Look at some of the players who have learned their trade down the various levels of the game. When I first joined Celtic, the current captain, Callum McGregor, was sent out on loan to Notts County to learn his trade.
"There at the same time, on loan from Aston Villa, was future Manchester City and England attacker Jack Grealish. Everything at elite clubs is laid on a plate for you.
"But down the leagues you can be responsible for getting yourselves to games, getting your own food and everything else. You are also playing on pitches that are often not perfect. It all gives you an education about, and a respect for, life at that level of the game.
"I know there are clubs in the pyramid who will be annoyed at the plan. But, in the Spanish league, the Barcelona and Real Madrid B teams can't get promoted and that's the same with the current set-up in the Lowland League.
"So it wouldn't have any impact on the teams in the Conference who are trying to get promotion or fighting against relegation. In the grand scheme of things I think it's a great idea for improving young Scottish talent.
"There was a study recently that showed the top ten clubs who produced players for the recent World Cup in Qatar all had B teams. The proposed Scottish Conference League will send more of the best young kids at Premiership clubs out to learn what football is really about, with Aberdeen expected to join Celtic, Rangers and Hearts in fielding B teams."
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