Dundee boss Paul Hartley will weigh up at the start of the season whether to send teenage striker Craig Wighton out on loan in the hope that he can “do a Stevie May”.
The St Johnstone front man was farmed out two seasons ago to Alloa, who were managed at the time by Hartley, with the youngster netting 19 goals for the Wasps.
Last year he was at Hamilton and, despite only linking up with Accies in September, still went on to find the net 26 times.
May’s development continued this season with the Scotland under-21 player scoring 27 goals for Saints.
Now, Hartley will assess whether going out on loan is the right move for Wighton who is just back from Malta after starring for the Scotland under-17s in the European Championships, with Scot Gemmell’s side making it through to the semi-finals before losing out to a strong Holland side.
The Dens boss said: “I watched his games and Craig did really well. He got a goal and set up another. The last game was a tough one as the Dutch were just too strong.
“For him personally it was a great experience. He will come back and get his rest now and then hopefully he can kick on.
“I do see him featuring for us (next season) but he is going up another level and still has to work on his physique.
“He might be a possible loan next season to get the game time that he needs.
“That’s not to say he’s not going to play but we will give him a programme in terms of getting stronger.
“He might do a Stevie May or a Kenny Miller, players who have gone out on loan at a young age.
“I have spoken to Craig about that. Young Cammy Kerr also. They might have to go out and play games to get experience.
“They need to go out and learn the game.
“So Craig might be a loan player next year. I am not saying he will but he might be and go and do a Stevie May.
“He did that for two seasons at two different clubs. I had him at Alloa and then he went to Hamilton.
“I think that has been vital for his development and now he has really kicked on to be a first-team regular.
“Craig will be part of the squad for pre-season and then he may need to go away and get the game time he needs.”
Meanwhile, Hartley will make a flying visit to Hungary next week to check out possible pre-season training facilities.
The manager is keen to take his players away for a week to gear up for life in the Premiership.
Hartley, who is weighing up similar venues in Spain and Portugal, said: “My plan is to take the boys away for a week abroad in early July and we have a few alternatives.
“What I have to make sure is the places we’re being offered are suitable and that’s why I’m going to Hungary.
“I’ll be in and out in a day but it will give me the chance to see if everything out there matches up to our needs.”