A SENIOR SPL official has urged Scotland's top managers to think of the long-term benefits of the under-21 rule.

Six bosses were meeting today in the boardroom at Hampden to discuss ways to reform and improve the way the top flight is run.

Gordon Strachan (Celtic), Walter Smith (Rangers), Jimmy Calderwood (Aberdeen), John Hughes (Falkirk), Mark McGhee (Motherwell) and Craig Levein (Dundee United) were joined by Hearts chief executive Campbell Ogilvie, SPL chief executive Lex Gold, secretary Iain Blair and head of communication and strategy, Greg Mailer.

And the controversial under-21 rule, which requires clubs to include a minimum of two players from that age group in a squad of 18 in a league game, is sure to come under scrutiny in a series of think tanks.

However, Mailer said: "We're looking forward to seeing what issues will be raised by the managers.

"I know that they feel strongly about the Under-21 rule but, against that, we feel that it's vital to keep one eye on the long-term view.

"We want to encourage clubs to rear their own talent and another thing which will be discussed is the possibility of introducing a rigid quota of home-grown players in each team.

"The idea is that this working group will meet once a month - or maybe every six weeks - and I'd like to think that we'll have drawn some conclusions after three or four get-togethers."

Meanwhile, Hamilton boss Billy Reid wants Richard Offiong to concentrate on hitting the net than putting pen to paper on a new deal.

The New Douglas Park club has opened talks with the 24-year-old striker about extending his stay with the club he helped win the First Division last season.

However, Reid, whose side moved off the bottom of the SPL with a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday thanks to a goal by Offiong, wants him to focus on playing.

He said: "We have been in talks with Richard for some time, but he has just been concentrating on making an impact in the SPL.

"In the last five weeks he has shown the potential he has and hopefully he continues making an impression. Both parties aren't too concerned at the moment."

Elsewhere, Kilmarnock will be without David Fernandez for their game with Aberdeen at Rugby Park on Saturday after he went through the disciplinary points threshold.