Cumbernauld Colts boss David Proctor believes a loan stint at Broadwood for Rangers' Harley Ewen has been beneficial - as has his parent club and Celtic's involvement at Lowland League level.
The 17-year-old centre-back spent time at the Lanarkshire club in the second half of the 2021/22 term.
He impressed in his short stint with Colts and headed back to Rangers, where he helped their youngsters go on to win the Scottish Youth Cup.
Proctor was a first team coach during Ewen's time with the club and saw enough from him that suggests a good career in the game can be had.
Rangers and Celtic had their 'B' teams in the fifth tier too and Proctor reckons the likes of Ewen benefitted from the senior minutes.
Speaking of the Light Blues teenager, he said: "Harley did great here on loan. Rangers knew the standard they were sending their player out to. Rarely would you see a Rangers player in the league.
"Because they were playing week in, week out - and didn't run away with the league - they knew it was competitive. Harley was only 17 and wasn't quite there yet to start for the 'B' team.
"So an opportunity was there to come to Cumbernauld Colts. It was a win-win situation for both parties and he did really well.
"There's been a lot of exposure. We have come under quite a bit of fire as a league. From the outset, the Lowland League has always been quite a progressive league. The quality has improved in every single season.
"A lot of is unmerited. The players enjoy it. If you ask our players, they have enjoyed playing against Celtic and Rangers 'B.' It's improved them.
"We have so many young players that when they face the best at their age in the country, they up their game. It brings out the best in others in the league. Players will tell you they have enjoyed it."
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