CELTIC and Rangers have entered discussions with the Lowland League regarding the possibility of their colt sides being entered into the division.

The Scottish Lowland Football League (SLFL) have invited Glasgow’s big two to enter their ‘B’ teams into the league set-up for a one season trial period from next year.

Talks are at an early stage but it understood they are progressing well with all parties keen to “solve the gap which exists in the player development pathway in Scotland”.

Negotiations are expected to continue over the coming week ahead of the Lowland League 2021/22 campaign getting underway in late July.

An SLFL statement read: “Discussions have been productive and will continue over the coming days. We share a common consensus with Rangers and Celtic that player development and the importance of the pyramid system need to be priorities for the game in Scotland.

“The SLFL Board made it clear at the outset that no current member club would be adversely affected in any way by the proposal, in fact the opposite, and ultimately as a member’s organisation the clubs would need to vote in favour of this.  All of our clubs have the exciting proposal and consultation will be with them first and foremost.”

Lowland League chair, George Fraser, added: “It is clear from the discussions we have had that both Celtic and Rangers are looking for a league to put their ‘B’ teams into where they can develop as players. 

“Having been on the PGB sub group tasked with further developing the well-publicised ‘Scottish Football Innovation’ paper, a project which is still on-going and may well be implemented for season 22/23, it was absolutely clear to me that there is a major gap in the player pathway which would, if not addressed, impact a generation of our best young talent. 

“That is why the Lowland League, as a modern progressive organisation, have identified an opportunity, and are open to embracing positive change which will have massive benefit for our own clubs and league but importantly also for the wider Scottish game.

“Over the last few years the Lowland League has proved to be a well-run professional league and both these clubs feel their teams and players will develop by being part of it, while importantly for us we will be able to generate new revenues and shine a spotlight on the aspirational and ambitious clubs we have within our ranks.

“We will continue to have discussions with various parties over the next week or so and see how they progress. Hopefully this will result in an exciting outcome which is a clear demonstration of the Lowland League leading the way in how to modernise our football structures for the benefit of all.”