SFA introduce pay scheme for young players

Regan hopes the scheme will eventually help Scotland's national team

The Scottish Football Association will pay clubs for including Scottish under-21 players in their starting line-up.

The £500,000 initiative, which applies to competitive games, is designed to encourage youth development.

Scottish Premier League clubs will receive £750 if they include two under-21 players in their team and £1,000 if three qualifying players start.

Scottish Football League clubs will receive £75 and £100 rewards under the same terms.

"This Performance Awards Scheme is about the long-term development of talented young Scottish players and will provide an incentive to SPL and SFL clubs to give these players an extended run in the first team," said SFA chief executive Stewart Regan.

"Today's announcement is part of our long-term performance strategy, with the aim of improving the overall standard of football in the country and, ultimately, restoring the Scotland national teams to major championship finals."

The incentive scheme is a similar to one that was introduced in English county cricket, where Regan made his name as an administrator.