THE Academy's mini tour of Scotland may have ended with two defeats, but the young Rovers will have come away from the games with valuable experience.

With under 18s coach Gary Bowyer in temporary charge of the Reserves, it was left to coach Simon Ireland to take charge for the games against Celtic and Motherwell this week.

Up against under 19 sides, the under 17 team of Rovers performed well against their vastly more experienced opposition. With Rovers losing the Wednesday match against Celtic 1-0 and the game against Motherwell 2-1 on Friday. Grant Hanley with the Rovers goal in the match against Motherwell.

The players will now travel back to Brockhall and Saturday sees them face Oldham Athletic at home, kick-off 11.00am.