Likes of Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen can now play top stars in their Colt teams for IRN-BRU Cup

New SPFL rules mean overage players are available to mentor the talent during matches.

Premiership stars will be allowed to play for their Colt teams in this season's IRN-BRU Cup.

New rules introduced by the SPFL will grant permission for up to two 'mentors' in each side - which means the likes of Celtic's Leigh Griffiths, Rangers' Graham Dorrans and Ryan Christie of Aberdeen could turn out for their Under-20 teams in the competition that kicks off next midweek.

The move to allow overage players has been implemented in order to help youngsters benefit from playing with and against experienced adult players.

Seven Under-20s sides made it through to the second round last season but it was Celtic who flew the flag for the Colts teams when the Hoops reached the third round before succumbing 5-1 to Livingston.

SPFL secretary Iain Blair said: "The IRN-BRU Cup is a great opportunity for Colt teams to play against players who know their way around a football pitch.

"When last season’s competition was reviewed it was felt that the young players would benefit more from having experienced players guiding them in an on-the-pitch mentoring role.

“There was a bit of debate over what the right number of overage players should be before it was settled on two.

"We do not want the opportunity for Colt players to diminish to too large an extent and that is why it has been limited.”

The Premiership Colts teams will also be able to change their 'mentors' per round and there is no set criteria on who can play in the competition as the top flight sides would be able to field overage players as they see fit.

Blair said: “The spirit in this change is all about helping young players develop and we see this working in two ways.

“The first way is by the inclusion of an experienced player who is starting working towards a career in coaching.

"For example Dougie Imrie could play for Hamilton Accies against Edinburgh City and that would benefit him in terms of gaining great experience of coaching and benefit the under-20 players as they would have someone who knows the game inside out on the pitch with them.

“Secondly it allows another opportunity for an experienced player making his way back from injury or who perhaps is out of the manager’s plans to play competitively.

“It would be up to the clubs who is listed on their match-day squad and they will make those decisions based on all their other commitments.”