Hearts plan to join Rangers and Celtic B in the Lowland League gets Robbie Neilson seal of approval

Robbie Neilson is firmly behind any Hearts' plan to enter a B team into the Lowland League.

The Jambos boss insists it would be the best platform for youngsters to bridge the gap between Under 18 football and the first team.

Hearts are considering following Celtic and Rangers in entering a colts side into the fifth tier of Scottish football.

The Old Firm giants just this week were given the green light to enter B teams in the Lowland League as 'guest' clubs for a second successive season after raising their initial £25,000 entry fee to £40,000.

Their parachuting into the league below the SPFL - with the understanding the cannot be promoted - has caused controversy in the lower leagues with clubs such as Bonnyrigg Rose calling into question the pyramid's integrity.

Rangers have seen Alex Lowry, Charlie McCann and Tony Weston make the push for top team action from the Lowland League side while Celtic youngsters Ben Doak and Owen Moffat have done likewise for the Hoops.

And Neilson reckons it wold provide a crucial platform for young players in the absence of a reserve league.

Neilson said: “I support a platform for the young players to go and play. We have not had a reserve league for a number of years and it has really hindered the development of these players.

“We have had to find loan deals to put them out but we have no control over what happens there - how they play, how they train, the environment they are in.

“If we can get that I would be delighted. It would be great for that young group who can get challenged week in and week out in competitive games and we can keep an eye on their progressions. I’d be all for it.

“It will only work well if you get these boys in your first team. It doesn’t matter about