The Club have committed to the future of nine young players on the SPFL’s Modern Apprenticeship scheme for the next two years.

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These players will now spend the next two seasons mixing the challenge to make it into the first team with education off the park, designed to give them help in careers to fall back on should they not make it in the full-time game.

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Goalkeeper Matthew Kerr, defenders Craig Truesdale, Conor Bell and Dean Cairns (pictured), midfielders Calvin Cowie, Robbie Leighton and Conor McLaughlin and forwards Scott Thomson and Cammy Russell make up the first batch of Apprentices on the scheme.

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First team coach Kevin McBride, who was in charge of the 20s last season, said: “It’s a great chance for the boys as we establish the first nine on a scheme that will be a big part of the future for us. 

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"I know them all very well and they are a hardworking bunch of lads.

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“It is a great opportunity for them to combine football skills with educational needs and they also have a wealth of experience at the Club that they can use as they progress in their chosen path. “