Academy manager Liam Middleton believes Bristol Rugby's youngsters have now proved they are ready to play a part in the club's Championship play-off campaign if called upon.

Four Academy starlets – Jack Tovey, Jack Gadd, Mako Vunipola and Darren Barry – started yesterday's 34-17 British & Irish Cup win over Heriot's, while fellow youngsters Ben Glynn, Mark Davies, George Watkins and Marko Mama were introduced from the bench.

And Middleton, who coached the Bristol team at the Memorial Stadium yesterday, is convinced his rising stars have now proved they are ready to help the club's promotion push.

Prop Vunipola and lock Barry are the closest to breaking into the first XV, while several others will have given senior coaches Paul Hull and John Brain something to think about with their latest displays.

And Middleton said: "In these cup games, there is a mix of Academy and first-team players – and for the Academy players it's all about allowing the coaches to build trust in them.

"It's about going out there and proving to the coaches and senior players that they could step up to the mark if they needed to.

"They are high-pressure games in those play-offs, and we'll look at the video of this game and there will be small areas where all of the Academy guys can improve.

"But from what we saw out there, you would have to say that these guys would probably now hold their own."

Middleton acknowledged that Vunipola, 19, and 20-year-old Barry are the most realistic contenders to represent the Academy during Bristol's play-off campaign.

But he is pleased to see all of those who are being offered first-team opportunities in the British & Irish Cup at least holding their own at senior level.

"I certainly think that Mako, based on his performances, has pushed himself into the reckoning very strongly – and that's reflected in the fact he has been involved in some first-team games," said Middleton.

"I think Darren Barry is another guy who is building some trust in him through his performances – and with the other guys there is a long-term development.

"At this stage, I'm pleased they can come onto the pitch in a first-team game and hold their own. That's the main thing."

Bristol, who can still top Pool B in the much-derided British & Irish Cup, outscored their amateur Scottish opponents by six tries to two yesterday.

Acting skipper James Merriman crossed twice, while Mat Turner, Jack Tovey, Jack Adams and Sam Alford also went over.

Middleton added: "It's great to win, particularly when it's a home game and with pretty much all of our Academy guys being involved.

"We're really pleased with it, and there was a good try-count again, which shows we're playing an attacking style of rugby."