GIOVANNI VAN BRONCKHORST has called for the Scottish FA to change the selection rules for its cup competition to aid the next generation of talent.

The Rangers boss has included playmaker Alex Lowry in his squad for the fixture with Stirling Albion as the champions kick-off their silverware bid.

Lowry was part of Steven Gerrard's group for the pre-season clash with Partick Thistle and has been an impressive performer for the B Team this term.

He could now get his chance to shine against the Binos at Ibrox but he will have to fight off competition from several experienced stars that are aiming to catch Van Bronckhorst's eye.

The SPFL have changed their rules to allow managers to name bigger matchday squads and make five substitutions during Premiership fixtures for the remainder of the campaign.

And Van Bronckhorst is frustrated he won't have the same options available to him on a night where he is set to make several switches to his Ibrox squad.

"Hopefully," Van Bronckhorst said when asked if any of his Auchenhowie kids could feature at Ibrox. "Alex Lowry is also in the squad. He’s a big talent coming through the academy. 

"I’m always happy to use the youth academy if possible and I think [the Stirling Albion game] is perfect.

"The only thing is that we only have three subs. I have a squad of 20 to pick but only three subs. 

"Maybe it would be good for the SFA to also change the subs for the cup. In the league, I know the situation we are in with Covid and many injuries. So we changed the set-up for league games. 

"I can sub five times in the league but I can’t sub five times in the cup. In the cup especially I can use more players and maybe give more youth players a chance.

"So maybe it’s good to look into the subs available for the cup games as well."