On Monday night at Stirling University, Ross Wilson, the club's head of education and welfare, along with managing director George Craig, gave a presentation to delegates from countries across the continent about their youth structure.

It followed an invitation from the SFA for the club to talk to visiting representatives from UEFA.

And Ross told Heraldsport that being picked showed the esteem in which the Academy was now held.

"It was a privilege to be invited by the SFA," he said. "They could have asked anyone, but they chose us along with the Old Firm and I was delighted to do it.

"It was a difficult presentation. It lasted about 45 minutes and then we answered a number of questions, but it went very well and it was a pleasure to be involved.

"We talked about how the Academy was the cornerstone of the football club, the great relationship we have with the University of Stirling and the benefits of areas they can assist in, such as sports science – and, overall, the massive success we have had so far.

"But we didn't just talk about where we are now. We also discussed our aspirations for the future and how we are always looking to continue improving.

"Afterwards, I spoke to one of the delegates and he said it had been the best presentation he had heard, so it seemed to go down very well which is great."

On Tuesday evening, Scott Arfield and Chris Mitchell both made appearances for Scotland under-21s during their match against Northern Ireland.

Ross took in the friendly at New Douglas Park which saw the young Scots go down to a 3-1 defeat, with Arfield also missing a first-half penalty.

However, he was pleased to witness the youngsters continuing to get recognition on the international stage.

"I spoke to Scott before the game and he was looking forward to playing for his country again," said Ross. "It's always good experience for both him and Chris to be competing at that level.

"Darren Barr was also in the full squad for the Argentina game on Wednesday, and it's important for the club to have representation at all the different levels of the Scottish international set-up."

Last weekend the Academy sides at under-17 level and below played Hibernian, and their showing left Ross elated.

"There were some fantastic performances by players from every side," said Ross. "There is a lot at stake for them all at the present time, as between now and the end of February we will assess which players will have a future at the club.

"There are more than 200 involved at the Academy across the country and it's always a difficult decision."

Meanwhile, the U19s' game against Dundee United last Friday was cancelled because of the visitors having to fulfil cup commitments.

However, tomorrow (Friday) the youngsters return to league action when they take on Hamilton Accies, at New Southcroft Park, Rutherglen. Kick-off is at 2 p.m.