Kieran McAnespie admits that Clydebank’s game this weekend against Cumnock will be a tough test but he is buoyed by the fact his squad’s young players are making the most of their opportunity to shine.

The manager previously said he hopes to use the remaining fixtures to give youth a chance and was delighted with what he saw during Saturday’s friendly victory against Kilbirnie Ladeside.

Several youngsters were given a run-out at Clydebank High School, as first-half goals from Jordan Shelvey and Del Hepburn saw Bankies finish 2-1 winners against an experienced Blasties side.

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He said: “It was a good run-out for the boys. Our back four, who all started the game were all under 19, so it was good to see that the youth we’re using are standing up to the test.

“Young Dylan Coll was excellent along with Oisin McHugh. Matt McLean stepped in for his first start for a while and he was excellent.

“We’re looking forward to this weekend. It’ll be a tough test, but we need to make sure we finish as high as possible with as many points as possible.

“We’ll continue to work hard and play the right way and try and develop these young players into becoming much better footballers and understanding the game.

“We have a young squad as well with Jack McClair and Ross Alexander as well, so we need to look at how we develop them over the next couple of months going into the next couple of seasons.”

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Academy players McHugh and Coll both signed dual contracts with the first team last week and while they will still be eligible to play with the Under 19s, McAnespie is keen to bring them further into the first-team fold this season.

He added: “They have trained with us and have been excellent, so we thought the best thing was to get them on the dual contracts, so they’re available when we need.

“We got that sorted last week, which was good for the club because I think they will feature this season.

“I’m not one to shy away from the youth. If they are good enough and they are old enough then I’m happy to utilise them if they are ready.”

Bankies, who currently sit mid-table with seven games to go, are set to return to league action this Saturday for the first time since their loss against Glenafton on March 16. The game is at New Tinto Park, with kick-off at 3.15pm.