Dundee United kids Matty Smith and Cammy Ballantyne have been told they should be challenging for first-team places next season.
The pair, who’ve signed new deals at Tannadice, remain eligible for United’s Development Squad.
But at 19, new boss Ray McKinnon sees no reason why they can’t be operating at a higher level.
Striker Smith started the final two games of the season under caretaker boss Gordon Young.
His new gaffer was in the stand to watch the closing game at Kilmarnock and liked what he saw.
That’s why he was offered a new three-year deal, while Ballantyne’s services have been secured until the end of the coming season.
“I am delighted these young lads have committed their futures to Dundee United,” said Ray.
“I look forward to seeing them working hard now to force their way into the first-team matchday squad on a more regular basis.”
The manager knows he needs to add experience to his squad as he rebuilds over the summer.
But as a product of the Tangerines youth policy himself, he knows there’s a string of talented youngsters he should be able to call on.
Giant defender Harry Souttar has impressed him and with Paul Dixon likely to move on before the new campaign, teenage left-back Jamie Robson will have the chance to stake his claim for regular involvement.
After signing a new deal in January he was loaned out to Brechin City and played his part as ex-United man Darren Dods’ side successfully battled to stay in League One.
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.