Dundee United can rely on their young guns to fire them to Scottish Communities League Cup success.
That is the view of 19-year-old Stuart Armstrong, who took a last-gasp promotion to the starting line-up in his stride as the Tangerines beat Airdrie United 2-0 on Tuesday night to make it into Thursday’s quarter-final draw.
Armstrong was preparing himself to sit on the bench when he was told he would be taking the place of the more experienced Scott Robertson at the heart of the United midfield.
He went on to impress in a Tannadice team that at one stage averaged just over 22 years of age.
Another youngster, Ryan Dow (20), grabbed his first goal for the club, and Armstrong is confident youth can be a big plus for United both in the cup and over the rest of the season.
“We had a really young side out there but that was not a problem for us because we have belief in ourselves,” he said.
“You just have to look at how composed Ryan was when rounding the keeper to score the first goal.
“He was confident despite still being young.”
He added: “What helps is that we all know each other so well, having played together before making it to first-team level.
“It is really encouraging for United as a club that such a young side can still take care of a tricky cup-tie.”Focus the mindArmstrong revealed he was not fazed by the late call-up on Tuesday.
“I was only told halfway through the warm-up that Scott would maybe struggle to play but at that stage it was 50-50,” he said.
“As the game got closer I got word that I would be starting.
“You just have to get your mind focused on the game, albeit you have to do so very quickly.
“I thought we settled into the match really well.”
Robertson is expected to be available for United’s trip to Easter Road on Saturday to play Hibs and there is good news on Danny Swanson.
“Ideally I only wanted to play Danny for a half but Airdrie’s performance meant he had to stay on for a while longer,” said United boss Peter Houston.
“Danny is fine, though, and he will make the Hibs match.”