MacKenzie got 70 minutes and Lauchlan the full game, but the chances are they will be given at least one more midweek run-out before being considered for first-team starts.

And that’s not just because they are ring rusty after long injury lay-offs.

“It was a very good exercise on a good surface last night and MacKenzie and Lauchlan did well, although they both looked like they hadn’t played for a while.

“MacKenzie felt a bit stiff, so we took him off and, right now, I would say I’m not really thinking about them in terms of starting places for Saturday.

“In fairness to the ones in the first team, a big part of that has to do with their form. The centre-halves were excellent at Dunfermline last week and I have told all the players that, if they are doing well, they will pick the team for me.”

That’s good news for 16-year-old Benedictus, in particular. An emergency stop-gap against Airdrie at the start of the month, he performed well, then improved at East End Park and is now in the squad on merit.

Jocky is looking to arrange another closed-door game for next week and wants them to become a regular feature.

“Last night was not just good for the ones coming back from injury, it helped the ones who have not been starting games and, if I can, I will arrange a game most weeks.”