ST MIRREN manager Jim Goodwin has expressed disappointment the SFA decided not to allow clubs to use five substitutes in the Scottish Cup this season and called for the rule to be put in place permanently to help bring through youngsters.
Goodwin will only be able to make three changes in the semi-final against St Johnstone at Hampden tomorrow even though FIFA last year gave leagues and competitions the go-ahead to continue using five substitutes until August 2021.
World football’s governing body was keen to protect players from injuries after coronavirus lockdown restrictions were lifted and competitive matches resumed.
However, the Paisley club’s manager revealed it has enabled him to give promising kids game time during the 2020/21 campaign and stated he would like to see it retained after the Covid-19 pandemic is over.
“It’s been three subs in the Scottish Cup, but I don’t understand why that is,” said Goodwin. “You have five in the league and Betfred Cup, but three in this. I hope the SFA and SPFL consider keeping it at five in future. It is a great idea.
“It’s great for academy players as having 20 in your squad and to be allowed to make five changes is brilliant. You can sometimes late in games bring on a youngster and give them 10 or 15 minutes. With three it limits your options.
“It is still only three stoppages so it doesn’t slow the game down if it was five subs. Maybe it is a traditional thing, the SFA would have to answer that.”
Goodwin continued: “I think every manager would prefer five subs with the hectic campaign we have had. I would love to hear other managers’ thoughts on it but five subs is something we would push for.
“If I have six experienced players in a 20-man squad I need to try and keep them happy. I would probably try and get them on to keep them motivated and interested. If I can make five changes I can put on three experienced players and two academy graduates. That is something we want to do here and we have done this season.
“There is talk now about the Colts teams going into the lower leagues. If we want to develop youth players we need to keep the five subs rule in.”
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