Time for our kids to man up

First-team boss Gary Locke has just 22 players — which includes three keepers — to see him through a season that kicks off with a 15-point deduction for entering administration.

And there’s a ban on new signings to contend with, too.

He’ll lean heavily on Player Development Manager Murray whose job it is to ensure a constant conveyor belt of top young talent progresses from their Riccarton Academy.

If Saturday’s second-string 6-2 demolition of Selkirk is anything to go by, he should have no worries on that front.

Murray said: “I’ll be on hand to help Gary with anything he needs.

“It should help that I helped bring most of the current first team squad through the youth ranks.

“The next batch will have to be ready to play their part — it’s as simple as that.

“Four or five of the boys who played against Selkirk will be involved in Tuesday’s first team friendly against Dinamo Bucharest. They’re an injury or suspension away from playing.

“They have to embrace that and I think they will.

“Within the Academy we have a clear philosophy in how we want to play the game and that’s the end result of a lot of hard work.

“There was a spell when we had 80-man first-team squads but we still managed to get boys through.

“Now, more than ever, they’ll get a chance.

“The likes of Jason Holt have taken it and established themselves.

“I’m looking forward to seeing who is next to make a name for themselves.”