The idea is the brainchild of SFA performance director Mark Wotte who feels it will secure the future of football in the country.

"I'm delighted my idea has the support of the SPL," said Wotte." At the moment there is too big a gap between the Under-19 league and the first team.

"It is very difficult for boys to bridge that gap - but this gives them a better chance.

"I believe clubs will still use 18 and 19-year-olds, as well as their slightly older players and some over-age players who may be returning from injury."

long term

Matches will be played on a Monday night in a competitive league where youngsters will be able to test themselves against some hardened pros.

SPL chief executive, Neil Doncaster, agreed it is the way forward for youth development in the country and would benefit the national team in the long term.

He said: "Providing the right platform for developing young Scottish players is vital for the whole of Scottish football and I am delighted to announce the introduction of an Under-20 league from next season.

"Working in conjunction with the SFA, I hope this goes some way to reducing the development gap between the current Under-19 league and the SPL..

"It will better equip young players for the demands of first-team football and aid the development of more and better young Scots for the national team."

Young Rangers midfielder Rhys McCabe has been hailed as a perfect example of a youth player that would benefit from the new league.

The youngster has made a dramatic impact since appearing in the first team but was in danger of falling through the net and out of football altogether.

"Young McCabe's situation was a perfect example of something that was seriously wrong with the game here," continued Wotte.

"He was too old for the Under-19 league but not experienced enough to play in the first team so he was getting no competitive football at all.

"He'd be playing the odd bounce game but that is not enough for guys with talent to develop. Thankfully he has been given his chance at Rangers and has shown he has promise.

"So this is a compromise. Clubs can still use their youth players but have one or two senior professionals involved as well. It will be a great help to everyone.

"We have to get more young players through if the game is to flourish here. Boys like James Forrest at Celtic have emerged but not enough of them."