The kid can play – but keep the lid on for the moment.

That’s the message to Brisbane Lions fans on young gun Josh Schache from Senior Coach Justin Leppitsch.

The No.2 Draft pick has shown glimpses of brilliance in the past two intra-club hit-outs to create a genuine buzz around the Club.

But Leppitsch is keeping the bar low for the athletic Schache, who has a rock-solid kicking technique and strong hands in marking contests.

“He’s a kid, so we have to give him some time,’’ Leppitsch told The Courier-Mail

“It’s very unfair because I can’t recall a young key forward that has come out and dominated from the get-go.

“Buddy (Franklin) was good early and was getting his eight to 10 touches and kicking a goal so you can’t expect much more than that from a kid.

“(Jesse) Hogan came in more as a 20-year-old as opposed to 18, which makes a big difference because you are physically bigger and more ­developed.

“Midfielders can run around and get touches. Big blokes get forced into contests.’’

Leppitsch said he wanted to learn more about his first-choice midfield as competition intensifies with the arrival of mature-age recruits Ryan Bastinac and Tom Bell.

“I’ve looked at it many times and I end up shutting the board. It is a good problem to have,’’ Leppitsch said.

“The list is competitive and in some spots it’s young player against young player, which is encouraging.’’

Leppitsch said Brisbane were likely to field a young side against the Gold Coast in the NAB Challenge opener at Burpengary on February 21.

“It will be an opportunity for the younger blokes who have had good pre-seasons to have a real crack,’’ he said.