Cole & Chris Burke aim for Hampden glory against Dundee – watch on BBC

While expanding the Premiership now seems to be off the SPFL agenda, Dundee youth team manager Scott Robertson believes a larger top division would be beneficial to developing young Scottish players.

“I love the debate that was on regarding the structure and the expansion of the league to almost take away the worry of playing a young player where it might cost mistakes,” he said.

“The expansion of the league I think would help with that. It would take away that fear of putting somebody in and wondering if they’re ready or not.

“It takes a brave manager to put young players in and put their faith in them and trust them. But we’ve seen it across leagues this season with some really good young players coming through. [Motherwell’s] Lennon Miller is probably the prime example.”

The issue of youth development has become a hot topic in Scottish football of late.

The Scottish FA recently asserted that Scotland is not bringing through enough emerging talent. By way of trying to help resolve the issue the governing body has introduced the ‘Co-operation System’ from next season, which offers more flexibility in loaning players between 16 and 21 years old.

It will allow players eligible to play for the Scotland national teams to join a lower league club but maintain a connection with their parent club, allowing for a transfer between clubs throughout the season.

Burke believes it is a step in the right direction.

“The academy coaches, we all try our best to try and give them the best opportunity possible and I think with the Co-operation loan next year, that will help massively,” he added.

“I’ve seen it so many times in my short academy coaching career that I can tell when a player’s already past that 18s level. You don’t want them to become frustrated and then to plateau out.

“So, you want to challenge them constantly and to do that you need to push them out and let them play the men’s game as much as possible. Then, if they come back, then I believe they will become a better player for that. I’m really looking forward to next season when that kicks in.”