Future Ross County stars in spotlight in Scottish Youth Cup as they face Kilmarnock in Dingwall on Friday
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MANY of Ross County’s potential stars of the future will be immersed in a true match-day stadium experience for the first time in tonight’s big Scottish Youth Cup test.
The Staggies’ under-18s face the current CAS Elite Under-18s League’s strongest side, Kilmarnock, at the Global Energy Stadium with a 7pm kick-off.
Coached by Chris Burke, the former Rangers, Kilmarnock and County winger, the young Killie team have blazed a trail to the top of Scotland’s youth perch, toppling Aberdeen from the summit last week with a 4-1 victory.
They also defeated Rangers 4-2 away the previous week after drawing with Celtic.
It promises to be a formidable test for the young County side who, led by head of professional academy Carl Tremarco, play a division below at performance level.
The County faithful can lend their support with the club taking the unusual step of bringing the match into the main arena, with tickets priced at £5 for all.
Gary Warren, who is the club’s academy manager, believes it will be a crucial educational experience for the 18s players, who hammered Turriff United 8-0 in the second round opener.
“It’s a great opportunity for the lads, who usually play on the astro pitches behind the east stand,” Warren said. “They are going to be playing against an elite team who are flying at the moment. We probably couldn’t have got a bigger test, but it’s a great opportunity for our boys to showcase their talents on the pitch, under the lights.
“It will be a good night for us. We want to try and make it into a little bit of a spectacle for the lads, because it might be the first and last time some of them play on the first team pitch.
“It’s important we try and give them a little bit of recognition for getting so far.
“It also gives them an opportunity to see what it’s like to play a game in a proper, professional stadium, the full match-day experience.
“For the lads that are looking to kick on, and hopefully get a pro contract at the end of their deal, it’s a great opportunity to showcase their talents to the first team staff and coaches that are here.
“It is also great for the fans, who will hopefully see some of these guys playing in a Ross County first team in years to come.
“We want people to come along and see how the boys have been developing throughout the year.
“They are in good shape and good spirits, but this will be a completely different test, and a different feel, under the lights.”
One name recognisable to first team followers will be former Alness United youth Jamie Williamson.
“Jamie came on at the end of last season for the first team in the play-off final against Partick, and he is doing really well,” Warren said.
“Calum Brown, Alister Morrison and Zach Macphee are others within the squad that are doing well, but I| think they are all thriving within the team ethic and culture that we’ve got at the club.”
