Stephen Robinson insists he wants to keep St Mirren academy starlets Jay Henderson and Lewis Jamieson at the club.
However, the Saints boss refuses to guarantee them minutes next season after the talented pair turned down new contracts to stay in Paisley.
Robinson has always stated he is keen to give young players a chance since taking over the reins at the SMiSA Stadium.
Sometimes that has meant allowing players to go out on loan to get a better opportunity to develop, with Henderson, 21, in particular shining at Inverness this season who are on the brink of a Scottish Cup final appearance.
Jamieson, 21, enjoyed a fruitful loan spell at League One Airdrie in the first half of the season– scoring eight in 20 before being recalled in January to help ease the pressure on Saints’ dwindling numbers up front.
While Robbo would keep both kids next season, the Saints gaffer insists he can’t promise they’ll be first team regulars.
He told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “We have offered contracts to LJ and Hendo and they’ve been turned down at this moment.
“LJ is desperate for first-team football and we gave him a taste of that out on loan, while Hendo has had it at Inverness and done well.
“That’s a risk because we don’t have a side for development boys. The contract offers remain on the table, to protect the club compensation-wise. But we’re keen for the boys to stay.
“Everyone has decisions to make. But if boys want guaranteed first-team football, I can’t do that.
“I can’t guarantee Curtis Main that, who has played almost every minute this season, so there’s no way you can guarantee two young boys who are unproven at this level. But ultimately we want them to stay.”
Robinson also revealed Buddies could lose key players Main and Charles Dunne this summer, with both still to agree deals.
The manager believes they will likely get more lucrative offers elsewhere, but remains confident he will be able to replace them should they go.
He is also working hard to ensure more academy players make it through their ranks, with Aiden Gilmartin the latest to commit his future.
Robinson added: “We’ve already got four or five of the younger boys signed up. Aiden is a really big prospect for us.
“Fraser Taylor and Luke Kenny are boys who can progress next season and are already tied down, as well as six or seven new boys who are coming in at Under-18 level.
“Richard Taylor will sign a new contract soon, so we are making progress.”
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