I think the problem is we've never had a manager in my matchgoing lifetime willing to play anyone under the age of 22. From the beginning of last season we heard every week how we would have to pitch kids in, but apart from Campbell at the end of last reason being played out of position, this has never happened.
The Old Firm argue, perhaps rightly, that they're under too much pressure to blood youngsters. What excuse have Thistle got? It's not like the "experienced" players we've pitched in over the years have been any better. Would it not be better throwing in a raw 18-year-old for a few games on the trot and forcing them to develop that way? If it doesn't work, we won't really be any worse off than we are just now. Of the youngsters we've got, many seem to be 20, 21, an age where they should have had a couple of years under their belt, not being treated with kid gloves.