Scottish clubs now know that a useful way to generate revenue is by promoting academy players, giving them a platform to shine and then possibly selling them on for a significant fee.
Clubs from the Ladbrokes Premiership right down the football league are willing to provide young talent with an opportunity. This past season has seen U21 players make up 13.4 per cent of minutes played, according to CIES Football Observatory.
Click and scroll through to see how the 12 Scottish Premiership teams compare for minutes given to U21 players during the past campaign.
1. Hearts
Percentage of minutes played by U21 - 20.6% | Other 3rd Party Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
2. St Johnstone
Percentage of minutes played by U21 - 18.8% | Other 3rd Party Photo: Craig Foy - SNS Group
3. Celtic
Percentage of minutes played by U21 - 18.7% | Other 3rd Party Photo: SNS Group Craig Foy
4. Hamilton
Percentage of minutes played by U21 - 18.3% | Other 3rd Party Photo: SNS Group Ross MacDonald