Let's face it, Scottish football is to the rest of the world as Iran is to international politics; a bunch who shout loudly and claim to be far more important and significant than anyone else believes, and, to extend the metaphors, known mainly on the international stage because of a couple of belligerent figureheads who either loved or hated in their own country and who generally cause nothing but trouble.
There's no doubt that the standing of the SPL is diminishing as the years go by. No longer do most young prospects make their living here, unless they are at the Old Firm - and even then they often look to leave the nest as well. More money and fame, as well as the opportunity to test themselves at a higher level, lie over the border. In the last 18 months alone, the likes of James McArthur, Aiden McGeady (who of course went to Russia), Danny Wilson, Leigh Griffiths (now back on loan at Hibs), Craig Bryson, Chris Maguire, Craig Forsyth and David Goodwillie have left for bigger and better things...with varying degrees of success.
As the income of SPL clubs diminishes, the number of young players fleeing south seems likely to only increase. So who are the most likely fledglings to make the move in the next 12 months?
FRASER FYVIE (ABERDEEN)
It's already been nearly two and a half years since this ginger-haired midfielder made his debut at 16, making him Aberdeen's youngest ever player. Fyvie has thankfully showed no ill effects after his return from the cruciate ligament injury that forced him to write off most of the last campaign. Rumours were abound in the summer of a seven figure bid from Fulham; whilst this came to nought, it seems likely that before long the Dons will have to cash in on his precocious talent.
JAMES FORREST (CELTIC)
As Neil Lennon pointed out after Celtic's recent Old Firm win, the remarkable thing about Forrest is his consistency; the 20 year old winger has been a fixture in the team this year, and it's hard to think of a poor performance, sometimes putting veteran teammates to shame. Comparisons with former alumnus Aiden McGeady are inaccurate - Forrest is less about tricks and more about sheer pace - but there's no doubt that he's the best prospect Parkhead has produced since the Irish international. His only weakness is a dependence on his right foot. He's the best young Scotsman in goodness knows how long, and I wonder if the SPL is too small a pond for his talents to blossom.
ADAM MATTHEWS (CELTIC)
I'm cheating slightly here, as Matthews was brought north from Cardiff City only last summer and is not quite a prospect in the same manner as the others on this list. But the right back has established himself as first choice over more experienced colleagues, and even at 19 is a Welsh international; in fact he was one of the Celtic players contacted over potential availability for the GB Olympic team. Good defensively, and with a good enough crossing foot that he often takes corner kicks, Matthews has already been linked with Everton and Fulham, among others.
SCOTT ALLAN (DUNDEE UNITED)
By the time you read this Allan may already be over the border; West Bromwich Albion are looking to complete a £400,000 deal for the under 21 international. We haven't seen that much of him in the Arabs' first team, partly because he was dropped for rejecting a new deal and demanding £1,600 a week (in SPL terms, this is a lot of money!). But his performances in an attacking midfield role attracted interest from plenty of clubs, and it seems someone will be willing to meet his wage demands.
JOHNNY RUSSELL (DUNDEE UNITED)
Could Russell follow in the footsteps of former teammate David Goodwillie, whom United sold to Blackburn for £2.5m in August? Recently at Inverness he came off the bench early in the second half with the team 2-0 down, and scored twice as United came back to win. But he was only a sub that day because of inconsistent performances in previous games. A forward who has the speed to play wide as well, Russell scored against both Celtic and Rangers last season, proving he is not overawed by big occasions. A little more maturity could see him go a long way.
SCOTT ROBINSON (HEARTS)
Robinson had largely disappeared off the radar after making his debut as a 16 year old in April 2008, when he became the SPL's youngest ever player. Initially used as a striker, his diminutive 5ft 7in frame may be one reason why he has dropped deeper; he has in the last couple of months established himself in the middle of the park at Tynecastle where he has the engine, bite and skill to make him a real prospect as an all-round midfielder. At 19, you can't help feeling there is plenty of improvement yet to come as well, and he's likely to get plenty of first-team action as his club look to get rid of their more experienced earners.
LIAM KELLY (KILMARNOCK)
There has been plenty of upheaval in the Killie midfield over the last year or so, but Kelly, an under 21 international, remains pencilled in on the teamsheet. Last year he was often found drifting in the from the right flank, but the departures of Bryson, Taouil and Eremenko mean he is now often to be found right in the thick of the action. A deeper position on the pitch means he has yet to score this term, but his 8 goals last season prove that he can be a threat going forward too.
JAMIE MURPHY (MOTHERWELL)
The big surprise about Murphy is that he hasn't left Motherwell before now. This season, his team's use of Michael Higdon as target-man and fulcrum has seen the 22 year old forward playing more of a wide role, and as a result his goals tally is only a mediocre six so far this term. But Murphy showed last season the damage he can do with his pace and assured finishing; just think of the sumptuous solo goal he scored in the Scottish Cup semi against St. Johnstone. He's not going to get much better staying in the SPL, so expect a move to at least a Championship side in either January or the summer.
GREGG WYLDE (RANGERS)
Wide midfielder Wylde has easily outstripped the stagnating John Fleck to become the best of Rangers' young players, though he still lacks consistency; too often his final ball is, well, a bit wild. But his pace is blistering and he has a good grasp of his defensive duties for one so young. Rangers' potential financial problems might mean Wylde becomes a first choice on the left flank for years to come, or it might mean they are obliged to cash in on his potential.
KENNY MCLEAN (ST MIRREN)
McLean has been the figurehead of manager Danny Lennon's push to make St. Mirren more of a creative passing team; after some rough experiences last season he has exploded in form in this campaign, adding a goal threat to his midfield play. His assurance on the ball has already brought comparisons with Barry Ferguson. Talk is that Burnley have offered £350,000 for the Buddies' prize asset; with McLean under contract till 2014, expect them to hold out for a much bigger fee.
It'll be interesting to see how many of these I'm correct about. Given the accuracies of my blogs in 2011, I'm betting on between zero and one...
L.
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