Scott Robertson and Karamoko Dembele will play at some stage against Cluj tonight as Neil Lennon gives the teenagers a rare glimpse of first team football.
Midfielder Robertson was named as a substitute against Rennes and Ross County while Dembele is the best known 16-year-old in Scotland with his progress followed avidly across social media.
With top place in their Europa League group assured the pressure is off tonight but with Cluj needing a point to join the hoops in the last 32 the hosts will be giving it everything.
James Forrest is the most experienced outfield player in the squad with Lennon discussing the prospects of the teenage duo to The Sun:
On Robertson and Dembele, Lennon said: “Even if the game’s not going so well I might pitch them in anyway, just to give them that experience and give them a taste of it.
“I’m pleased with the progress both those kids are making. They don’t often get the chance to be around it so I’m pleased they have this opportunity. I might even start one or two of them.”
Barry Coffey, Grant Savoury and Conor Hazzard are in the squad with a number of other prospects involved in last night’s 2-0 win over Queens Park in the Glasgow Cup at Hampden.
Completing the group unbeaten would be very welcome tonight but Lennon’s focus is firmly on the home front and the five SPFL matches before the end of the year.
Getting some game time for players like Olivier Ntcham, Nir Bitton, Boli Bolingoli and Leigh Griffiths could pay off before the month is out with six big hitters left at home to prepare for Sunday’s home match with Hibs.