Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara has explained the reasoning behind resting young duo Ryan Gauld and John Souttar.
While their team-mates experience the chill in Dingwall on Saturday, the two teenagers will be enjoying some recuperation in the Spanish sunshine.
To let two first-teamregulars even though they are still youngsters miss what will be achallenging trip north to face Ross County is a brave decision by McNamara.
However, he explained why he has chosen now to give Gauld and Souttar a break.
McNamara said: “I think this is down to managing the players and making sure they are progressing at peak levels.
“We have asked a lot of them and this is the first Christmas period they have not had time off due to their progression to the first team squad.
“In the summer both were away with Scotland and played right through.
“Every international break they have been involved so this is the right decision that will ensure they are ready for thesecond half of the season and give them a rest.
“I am conscious that we have asked a lot of both players recently and this was why I left Ryan out of the last game. I see both of them in training every day and the spark has been missing a little.
“This is an opportunity for them to relax and take stock of what’s happened in their lives in the last six months.
“It has been a massive ask for both of them and whilst I would love to keep playing them week in week out, I have to look after them and this is for the best.
“The learning curve they have been on is huge and it is incredible that they have handled it so well.
“Through my own playing experience of being a young player coming through, I know the demands, the pressure and the expectation that is placed on you.
“Add in the transfer speculation over them and it will take an effect because they are only human so a few days away in the sun will help immensely.
“There are others who have not had a break–Stuart Armstrong is another who has been constantly on the go for the best part of a year–and it is my job to manage the squad in the best manner possible.
“This break will benefit the players and the club as the season progresses and that is the most important aspect.”
Tannadice chairman Stephen Thompson, meanwhile, is fully supportive of McNamara’s decision.
He said, “Dundee United are a family club and we take the wellbeing of all our staff seriously and we are being proactive here in ensuring the two young players are not over exposed to the stresses of professional football.
“It is our aim and desire to produce first team players from our academy but that development must be encouraged alongside the wellbeing of players.
“We care about our staff and the two lads and their parents will be reassured that Dundee United act in the best interests of the players individually as well as the club.
“I am sure they will come back recharged and ready for the remainder of the season.”