Ashley Young (18) signed a one-year contract after impressing coaching staff during four days of training with the under-19s.

Academy spokesperson Ross Wilson was thrilled to complete the quick-fire signing.

"Ashley came up here for a few days and did exceptionally well," said Ross. "He is a tidy midfielder, who breaks up attacks, keeps the ball
well and is good going forward.

"He had an agreement with Bury that if a Premiership or SPL club came in for him that he would be allowed to leave.

"So we managed to take advantage of that clause and we are delighted to have him on board."

Ross is pleased with the rest of the squad as they continue their pre-season recovery.

"The boys are continuing to train well since they have returned and they will play their first bounce game against Hibs on Friday, where Ashley will also make his debut," revealed Ross.

A major part of the Academy programme is scouring the country for new talent and here there have also been developments.

"We held a meeting with Academy recruitment manager David White last night to outline our vision of the Academy for this year and that included looking at increasing the number of scouts we have across the country," said Ross.

"We have plans to open a new centre in Lanarkshire and hopefully that will follow the success we have had in the West of Scotland."

Further expansion is also being planned across the water.

"We will be looking to increase our presence in Northern Ireland and are recruiting someone there to cover that area," said Ross.

"In the Republic of Ireland we already are involved in Patrick Cregg's old team and are now looking to expand through the regional guys in the FAI. We have already arranged for our under-13s and 14s to head over there for a friendly this year."