The quartet of MacLean, McMillan, Ferguson and Hastie were given an opportunity to sample the big time atmosphere in front of a crowd reported to be in excess of 54,000 and they showed no lack of appetite for the challenge.
MacLean had tasted first team action with a couple of substitute appearances already this season but for the rest this was an introduction to the top of the professional game in Scotland.
The starting eleven v Celtic
McMillan's chance arose as Hammell injured a hamstring on Friday. It was cruel to see the stand-in left back pull up with what looked like a similar injury in the second half. At least that made room for Ferguson to have 25 minutes game time.
MacLean was handed an advanced midfield slot and he lost no time in supporting his two strikers. He was replaced by Hastie for the final ten minutes.
All four were in the SFA Youth Cup winning squad and their appearance in the first team several months later is to be welcomed. It has long been a pillar of the club's plan for self sustainability that we produce and eventually sell home grown talent. Where Cadden leads, others follow