18 Feb 2026 19:18:33
Wonder if anyone can enlighten me on this. I know John was knowledgeable on our younger players. The young lad Glasgow seems to be progressing pretty well.
It would be good to see some of our younger players pushing through to get involved around the first team setup.
Anyone got info on youngsters that we should keep an eye on? It would be fantastic to develop some kids through our youth system.
18 Feb 2026 20:03:18
Problem is these guys r 15/16.
Just now, I think Cody and Lawson r the best available. But we r not playing 16/17 year olds imo.
18 Feb 2026 20:26:08
I watched the young lad Glasgow play for the youths against Man United at the NI Super Cup back in July, and he was the standout. He was all over the park, better than anything from Man United, even though I think most were there because of Wayne Rooney's son, Kai. There was also a younger lad wearing number 11 who looked a right good player.
18 Feb 2026 20:36:02
I thought the very same, Aye Ready. He was immense.
18 Feb 2026 22:56:23
I could not care about a player's age. If they are good enough, they should be given time. We are bad at not playing young players, and they move on because of it.
19 Feb 2026 08:23:43
Do you believe, then, that we simply are not playing them because of their age? That would not make sense. Why would someone, if good enough, not get played? And I mean mentally also.
19 Feb 2026 09:43:12
I like to bring through young players, but I don't think it is as simple as just giving them game time; it is a clever balance. We could ruin their career if managed badly. I don't think being good enough is the only issue with young players, and it is a lot more complicated than just that.
19 Feb 2026 10:09:44
The issue for me is that we have had no decent pathway for our youngsters for years.
And it's difficult to give them game time when every game is a must-win.
It's easy (and we've all done it) to say throw on a couple if we are ever winning 3 or 4-0.
But, with the size of the first-team squad, it is difficult to set aside a couple of spaces for youngsters.
It's a double-edged sword. Plenty of us have said recently that the bench is looking the best in years. Could we say the same if a couple of youngsters were on it?
19 Feb 2026 10:32:24
Surely, if they are good enough, then they play.
What's age got to do with it?
(By good enough, I mean physicality as well.)
19 Feb 2026 11:29:50
The main problem is they are tempted by the riches on offer down south, once they hit that certain age. How can anyone blame them?
19 Feb 2026 12:52:40
Ferguson and Bowie had the right idea.
Play over in Italy. The lifestyle must be amazing for a young lad.
19 Feb 2026 12:54:47
Big Conor Owen (16) is one to watch. CB and captain for the 17s, aggressive defensively and also good on the ball, with excellent leadership skills. Playing with the 19s now as well, and well thought of in the academy.