RANGERS manager Steven Gerrard reckons that the introduction of Old Firm colt teams to next season's Lowland League will benefit all of Scottish football.
Glasgow's big two have often pressed for their B teams to be included within the pyramid and on Monday evening they appear to have finally got their wish after the Lowland League - the fifth tier of Scottish football - voted in favour of the proposal.
There will be a formal ballot in two weeks' time to ratify the decision - one that has sparked an angry online backlash from supporters of lower league clubs, and those in the sixth tier.
Clubs in Tier 6 have been quick to condemn the scheme, accusing Celtic and Rangers of 'jumping the queue' rather than entering the pyramid at the bottom tier.
READ MORE: Celtic and Rangers colt teams given green light following Lowland League vote
The Glasgow giants have been granted permission to field colt teams for one season only, but there are fears that the development could be seen as a precedent that could lead to their permanent inclusion.
Gerrard admits that his team and their cross-city rivals will be the most obvious beneficaries of the new format - but insisted the whole Scottish game will reap the rewards.
He said: "I think it will be fantastic for everyone, if people decide not to just think about themselves. If they think about Scotland and improving the national team on all levels.
"What we want is to give the kids the chance to develop into better players. If you can play against men earlier, play for important points and gives these kids more responsibility and put them in pressure situations, playing in front of crowds and being challenged, that can only be for the benefit of the country.
READ MORE: Lowland League chief backs Celtic and Rangers' colt team 'pilot scheme' to take off
"Obviously I'm sitting here as the Rangers manager and a lot of people will think I'm just saying that because I'm at Rangers and I'm being selfish.
"I understand those opinions but if I take myself out of the Rangers environment and think about the Scottish game and the national team, I think this is a big plus for Steve Clarke and any future Scotland manager that a lot more Scottish kids are getting challenged earlier.
"This brings you on quicker than playing games that - I wouldn't say don't matter - but have less significance and pressure on them."
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