Former Rangers winger Gregg Wylde is excited by the prospect of coming up against Rangers and Celtic Colts in the Lowland League this season – and insists it is a “great opportunity” for the Old Firm youngsters and the other clubs in the Lowland League.
Wylde, who now plays for East Kilbride, is confident the year-long pilot that sees the Old Firm field age-limited sides in the fifth tier will be a big boost for the development of some of Scotland’s best young players.
Despite spme concerns from fans over the ‘sporting integrity’ of the division being affected by Colts being admitted, the former Rangers winger thinks they will provide an excellent challenge for the existing sides in the league – warning the Old Firm youngsters they need to “step up to the plate.”
“I think for Colts coming into the Lowland League it will be beneficial for them” Wylde said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“They are playing against men and if they are going to make it in the first team they will need to step up to the plate.
“I think it’s also a great opportunity for ourselves to play against these teams.
“It will give us a good test, not just for us but for the rest of the teams in the league.
“It will be great to play against these teams.
“I think everybody would love to play against the best teams in Scotland and Rangers and Celtic have got some of the best kids in Scotland with the youth academies they have and the players they’ve got.
“You never know, if the first team don’t have a game one week they might bring some of the bigger players in for game time.
“It’s something I’m looking forward to.
“When I was at Clyde, we played against Celtic and Rangers teams in bounce games and the standard was really good.
“They won’t be any mugs. They will be good quality players.”
A massive opportunity for Rangers and Celtic Colts
While they are only, currently, due to play a single season in the Lowland League the coming season is a massive opportunity for the Old Firm youngsters to really impress.
A strong season from both sides would only strengthen the position of both clubs in wanting a permanent place within the league pyramid.
With other clubs already fielding their own reserve teams in other divisions within the pyramid, there’s no reason why the Old Firm Colts can’t stay in the league long-term.
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