Caley Thistle manager John Robertson insists he will have no qualms about handing youth its chance when his depleted side travels to Falkirk today.
Inverness have a shortage of midfield options, with Liam Polworth and Iain Vigurs suspended and Charlie Trafford a doubt through illness, while Aaron Doran may not be risked on the artificial surface due to previous knee problems.
Robertson says teenagers Daniel MacKay, Jack Brown, Roddy MacGregor, Cameron Harper and Kieran Chalmers are in with a chance of featuring, and he said: “We’re going to be light in personnel but it gives some of the younger lads the opportunity to see what they can do, if required.
“They have to be blooded at some stage and it may well be Saturday. It could be a few – three or four will definitely travel.
“It is a big chance for them. We’ve said already, if we have a full squad and everyone is fit it is harder for the young lads to break in.
“But we have had injuries this season and seen Daniel MacKay come in and play and score.
“We have no injuries in the forward department so it is harder for him, but for the likes of Jack Brown, Kieran Chalmers and Roddy MacGregor there’s no reason they can’t be involved.
“If we have to play them, at any stage, we won’t be scared to because they’ve deserved it for what they’ve done in training, under-17 matches and reserve games.”
Robertson takes inspiration from his former club Hearts, who have handed a number of youngsters an opportunity in recent weeks and were rewarded when midfielder Harry Cochrane produced an influential goalscoring display in the Jambos’ outstanding 4-0 victory over Celtic last month.
Robertson added: “Harry Cochrane is a shining example of what can happen if a guy arrives at the right time, under the right circumstances. Timing is everything.
“I’m not saying for one minute our guys are as good as Harry Cochrane, or better or worse. But they are comparable in the fact they are all the same age group and it shows if you get your opportunity it is down to the player to take it.”
