Inverness Caley test is next for Accies

Aug 14 2008 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid watched his side soar to the top of the SPL with a stunning 3-1 win over Dundee United on Monday, but warned people not to get carried away.

Reid is well aware of the test ahead of his shock troops on Saturday as they visit Inverness Caledonian Thistle in what is a top-of-the-table clash, following the Jags’ excellent 2-0 win over Aberdeen on Saturday.

The Accies boss said: “It was a big test against a good Dundee United side and we passed it with flying colours, but we look ahead to Saturday’s game against Inverness.

“Our win will mean nothing if we don’t go there and perform on Saturday.”

Reid hopes to add a couple of new faces to the squad, although he has snapped up striker Joel Thomas and winger Sebastian Sorsa.

Frenchman Thomas (21), on Monday agreed to sign a deal until the end of the season, pending clearance after leaving German cracks Kaiserslautern, and Sorsa finally signed on Friday after being released by League One side Leeds United.

Reid said: “Joel is a 6’ 2” striker, he will challenge for a place up front.

“We’ve got pace and power up front, and Joel will be a smashing addition to our squad, but we’ll give him a bit of time because he hasn’t had a pre-season with us.

“Sebastian signed on Friday, he’s a wide-right player with fantastic pace.

“He went to Leeds United and never got a chance, but he’s a Finnish Under-23 internationalist and he will feature for us.

“Competition for places is huge, we have a big squad but I feel I have to strengthen in one or two areas.”

A sizzling free-kick from Tony Stevenson, a controversial strike by James McArthur, and David Graham’s second-half cracker cancelled out Mark McLaughlin’s unfortunate own-goal on Monday.

Looking back on the game, Reid said: “We know we’ve got good players, but you’re never sure until you step into the arena and some of the young players came of age.

“We’ve worked them really, really hard in pre-season and I’ve pushed them to the limit more than I have ever done, because I know what we’re going to face.

“Dundee United are used to playing at that pace every week, but that’s new to our guys.

“I’ve told the players that if they don’t look after themselves off the park it won’t work for them, and they won’t be at this football club.

“The level of fitness you need for the Premier League is top-notch and I think that was shown on Monday night.”

Reid reckons the key to Hamilton’s survival is keeping the team spirit high, and bouncing back from inevitable defeats.

He said: “There is a spirit about us; we could have wilted after going a goal behind but didn’t.

“I said we would bring a freshness to the Premier League and I think we did on Monday night – but we need to continue to do that.

“We will have our off-days and we need to be able to handle defeats when that happens. If it does, we’ve got to make sure the other team has to work hard for results – and I guarantee we’ll do that.

“But the fact that we’re still favourites for the drop will be motivation for our players.”

Hamilton will undertake a further test on Wednesday when they face a Liverpool XI at New Douglas Park. The game kicks-off at 7.45pm and admission prices are £10 for adults and £5 for youths. Women will be admitted to the game for free, and this offer is also extended to children under-10 who are accompanied by an adult.

Those taking advantage of this offer MUST pick up their tickets from the ticket office from Monday onwards.

Accies have been handed a home tie against Clyde in the Co-operative Insurance Cup second round.

The match will take place at New Douglas Park on Tuesday, August 26, at 7.45pm.

Setanta have announced that they will televise Hamilton’s home matches against the Old Firm.

As a result, the Rangers game on Saturday, October 25, has been brought forward to 12.30pm, while Celtic will now visit Hamilton on Sunday, November 16 at 2pm, 24 hours later than scheduled.