Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.

They came to be known under a number of other identities at Ayr United last season, too, since the club chose to release five senior members from a first-team squad which ended the campaign seventh in the Irn-Bru Second Division and 13 points adrift of the stated ambition of reaching the promotion play-offs.

The expression carries an addendum in Scottish football, though, since players with nous also seem valuable at such times of upheaval - and Ayr have begun the new term feeling bolstered by the arrival of David Hutton and Alan Lithgow, as well as the retention of Scott McLaughlin after the midfielder spent part of last season on loan from Peterhead. Their arrival has been afforded the fanfare of three wins in four competitive matches.

There has been a sense of vindication in Mark Roberts' efforts to redraw his squad, then, although the Ayr manager has also sought to colour in his teams with a youthful endeavour.

Perhaps the most prominent figure has been Mark Shankland, an 18-year-old striker who scored late in a Scottish League Cup tie with Partick Thistle earlier this month, and who has been watched by clubs in England since last season. He spent time on trial at Birmingham City in March.

His reputation has grown, even if the player himself has been restrained by a desire to not unnecessarily hasten his development. Roberts is cautious of fully exposing his prodigy to the vagaries of senior football before he is of age, yet he is similarly careful to point out that does not amount to a lack of faith in Shankland's ability.

"It's hard to describe the feeling of euphoria when Mark stuck his header away at Firhill," said the Ayr manager, whose side face Falkirk in the second round of the Ramsdens Cup tomorrow. "What's even more exciting is that there are many more players with potential in the academy.

"The talent has got to be there but we also need to consider whether they are ready to cope with the rigours of a man's game. It can be particularly daunting for kids of 16, 17 or 18 years of age but I am willing to provide an opportunity for any player who shows potential."

It is a philosophy which resonates with Gary Holt, the Falkirk manager, who fielded six players from his club's academy in his starting XI on Saturday. The former Kilmarnock midfielder displayed some youthful enthusiasm of his own when considering the cup tie against Ayr, though."It's a chance to play the hated neighbours, as they say," he said.