However, while it is undeniable that no points from six would be a very bad start to the league campaign, there must surely be a temptation to throw out the U19s for this contest. Reaching the Europa League group stage could only be surpassed by winning the Scottish Cup (if even that?), so if we picked up a couple of injuries to key players in Kilmarnock we really would have reason to kick ourselves.
Craig Brown may mix and match and while the reserves won't run out en masse it would be a surprise if changes aren't made if only to rest tired legs. Hutchison being available could mean one of the centre backs is protected while Forbes and Fitzpatrick will hope to come into the centre of the park.
In the attack we could name a complete fresh line of McHugh, Blackman and Casagolda and while that is unlikely, it would also seem foolish to demand 90 minutes from Humphrey, Murphy and Sutton, three players who will be vital next Thursday.
Kilmarnock played reasonably well in losing at Ibrox last week but still lack a scorer and generally have the same mediocre squad as last term. On our day we would surely fancy our chances of winning here but if they give 110 per cent and turn it into a battle, human nature suggests we will struggle to match them.
Away points in the SPL are rarely to be sniffed at and if we return home with something thanks to a 1-1 draw we should probably be quite content with our lot.