MORTON development squad boss John Sutton says he is looking forward to seeing his young players test themselves against the top reserve teams in the country.

The SPFL has reintroduced reserve divisions to replace the development leagues which have been in place since 2009.

There will be 27 clubs competing across two divisions, with Morton in the 18-team top tier, alongside the likes of Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen.

Sutton, who played in Scotland when Reserve Leagues were originally in place, praised the decision to bring them back.

He told the Tele: “It’s been in the pipeline for a while, but it’s brilliant we’re in the top division and it’s going to be a really good test playing against all the top teams.

“From Morton’s point of view it’s brilliant as we’ve moved up a level into another league and for Scottish football having the concept of reserves and under-20s is a good thing as well.

“Squads seem to be getting bigger and from a first team perspective it gives you a chance to play 90 minutes.

“You can train as much as you like but playing games and getting game time is the most important thing and this allows clubs to do that now.

“You still hope there will be a lot of younger players playing in the reserve league as that will only be good for Scottish football.

“Certainly remembering back a long time ago when I was playing for the reserves you were playing against established players, it’s a fantastic experience and something you can learn from.”

The only age restriction in the new Reserve League is the minimum age of 16.

The SPFL also states ‘these changes complement recent amendments to loan regulations which provide, generally, that any player loaned out by an SPFL club is eligible to return and play in non-first team football for the lending club’.

The first division comprises of 18 clubs, who play each other once, either home or away, to make up a total of 17 matches in the season.

After fixtures were revealed on Tuesday, Morton will begin their Reserve League campaign away to Falkirk on August 20, with matches to be played on Monday afternoons.

There will also be Reserve League Cups, which the SPFL says it will confirm in due course to complement the league fixtures.

It provides an exciting opportunity for Morton’s previous under-20s side, who were crowned Development League West champions last season.

Sutton added: “It was a fantastic achievement with the boys winning the league and then this year is about kicking on again and it’s a really good test for them.

“When you look at the list and see the teams we’re playing against there’s a real excitement that we’re playing against the top teams in the country.”