Clydebank boss Kieran McAnespie lavished praise on his young stars after Bankies drew 2-2 with Cumnock on Saturday.

Nicky Little equalled Mark Hailstones’ goalscoring record of 65 goals, but own goals from Sean Higgins and Andy Paterson prevented McAnespie’s men from securing all three points.

McAnespie handed competitive debuts to academy graduates Dylan Coll and Oisin McHugh and while frustrated with a point, was quick to laud the young duo.

He said: “Overall I thought it was a fair result, especially given the pressure they put us under in the second-half. We managed to put ourselves in a good position to win the game but we just couldn’t see it out.

“We’ve had four or five chances to put the game out of sight. That brings a nervousness and uncertainty to the team and that showed in the second-half. We’ll always create chances which is a positive, but it’s about seeing the game out.

Read more: Clydebank FC forced to settle for Cumnock point after own goals

“I thought young Dylan and Matthew McLean at centre-half were incredible. Their range of passing was exceptional and with Jordan Shelvey’s pace up top it caused them problems all day.”

McAnespie also revealed he’s confident the majority of his squad will put pen to paper on extending their contracts for next season.

He added: “It’s taken me two years to get a full team that I want to take forward. We’ll continue to look at improving the quality of the squad because ultimately we want to end up testing ourselves at the highest level we’re capable.

“With all the good work being done off the pitch, it’s up to me to assemble a squad to put on the pitch that’s good enough. It’s all about building for the future and with the solid foundations elsewhere, I want to continue that so we can move forward in the right manner.

“We can continue to develop the players while trying to win games.”