Well we will see over the course of the season. I think we will probably play enough games that both can be facilitated, giving first teamers minutes as well as the most promising academy kids. It does not have to be one or the other.
I think there has been games historically where we have not given the kids a chance where we have been coasting and not used our full complement of subs.
For Mcatee he appears to have started the season so well, like anyone in life, its desirable to see a pathway to progress. As he has not gone on loan, as yet, the only other option is to make the bridge into the first team. It would undoubtedly make him a better player, more likely to sign a new contract and in some instances be more ‘valuable’ than bringing on a first teamer for 20 mins, when they played only a couple of days ago.
I would stick the caveat in it is early in the season so I can see the reasons why the likes of KDB/Foden and soon Gundogan will dominate minutes from the bench or start against Wycombe etc, but over the course of the season I hope he sees a bit of game time.