Hamilton Accies set to host Liverpool

May 14 2008

HAMILTON Accies have confirmed they will play a friendly against a Liverpool select at New Douglas Park on Wednesday, August 20.

The Anfield club are coming north for Inverness star Barry Wilson’s testimonial on the prior Monday before travelling to South Lanarkshire two days later.

Accies Boss Billy Reid said the club is extremely excited about the prospect of playing a Liverpool XI.

He said: “I can confirm that we will play Liverpool here on Wednesday, August 20.

“It will be great for us to play against a team of that calibre, and even Liverpool’s reserves are worth millions.

“It will be great for the fans and will be excellent to play against a team at that level. It’s the next progression for our players.

“Now that we’re an SPL club we can attract opposition like Liverpool and there are exciting times ahead.

“We’re going to be in our season by the time the game is played, so we will need to be careful as it will come between two very difficult games for us.

“But the entire squad will get a run-out. Liverpool are going to have the ball for periods in the game so that will be a learning experience as well.

“We’re looking forward to it and everybody at the club is hugely excited about this.”

Reid also announced that winger David Graham has agreed to sign a two-year deal at the club, while defender David Elebert – who has been called up by the Republic of Ireland Under-21s for a tour of Malaysia – has agreed a one-year extension, keeping them both at the club until 2010.

Elebert (22) will be involved as the RoI take on the under-23s of Iraq, Nigeria and the host nation today, Saturday and Monday respectively.

Reid says the call-up is richly deserved and added: “It’s great news for Davie and it’s something of a trait at this club that people are getting called up for international matches.

“We have good players here and I’m really happy that they’re getting the recognition they deserve – I’ve just told him to make sure he doesn’t come back injured!”

Reid added: “David was involved years ago in the Republic of Ireland set-up and he will be delighted to be involved again.

“He has been an absolute stalwart at the back and is a fantastic defender.

“He’s stepping up a level and is unproven in the SPL, but I have no doubts that David has the right characteristics, and he will be determined to prove that he’s capable of playing at that level.”

Reid is also delighted to tie up David Graham on a new deal, and hopes to bring out the best in the former Gretna star.

He said: “David has huge potential and I wouldn’t say he hasn’t fulfilled that, but if his fitness and everything else is right then he can make an impact in the Premier League.

“I believe that if David keeps his focus and is at the top of his game, then he can be a huge player for us.”

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