Dundee United is the most attractive club in Scotland for young players.

That’s the view of Tangerines youth coach Dave Bowman.

Former United and Scotland midfielder Bowman reckons that’s a lot to do with the ‘Andrew Robertson effect’.

But he also thinks the manager Jackie McNamara is a big factor, too.

Last week, 18-year-old Scotland youth international Charlie Telfer switched from Rangers to Tannadice, citing the chance to play first-team football as a factor.

Bowman admits he wouldn’t be surprised if he’s the start of many.

Under the former Partick Thistle boss we’ve seen Ryan Gauld and John Souttar establish themselves as first XI regulars as well as Robertson, who isn’t 21 until March next year become an international sensation.

The opportunities on offer at United can be a big pull for any young player wanting to make it big in the game, according to Bowman.

“It’s an enticing club to come to at the moment,” he said.

“It’s the most attractive place in Scotland for young players.

“At clubs you can have a load of young players but, if the manager isn’t willing to give them a chance, there’s no point.

“Credit to Jackie, he’s not scared to throw youngsters in if they’re performing well.

“They can see the light at the end of the tunnel they know the manager will give them a chance.

“The only way you know if these young kids can handle their chance is by throwing them in. Jackie does that. It’s refreshing.”

United’s approach has been to supplement their own academy products, overseen by Bowman and youth director Stevie Campbell, with cherry picking some of the best from other clubs.

Robertson was one of those last season and Blair Spittal is set to be latest, expected to be confirmed this week.

Bowman added: “With getting Andy in last year, we have become a side young players want to play for.

“We took a lad from the bottom division and gave him the platform to perform.

“That’s all young players want from a football club. We still have some good young lads here.

“Hopefully, they will push on and force an opening for themselves.

“Playing with better players makes you a better player.

“So bringing in young kids from elsewhere will make our young lads step up and improve.”

Robertson, expected to attract interest from clubs down south this summer, is a perfect example for every young player at the club, according to Bowman.

He wants the kids in the academy to look at the defender and aim to emulate him.

Bowman said: “Andy is a great pro he has just pushed on and on every time he has been asked to step up.

“The young players can look at him as a role model.

“Initially, he was a little fortunate that the club had no left-back after Barry Douglas went to Poland.

“In pre-season he took that chance, though, and never looked back.

“His story really is an amazing one I think when he made his Scotland debut, it was a year to the day that he was playing for Queen’s Park up in Elgin. It truly is amazing.

“It just shows what you can do with hard work and determination.”