Reid: 'New boy can be our Rocco in midfield'

Feb 5 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid was delighted to land midfielder Rocco Quinn on Monday, and admitted he’s pleased with his acquisitions during the transfer window.

Quinn (22), has joined until the end of this season after being released by Celtic, and is Reid’s fourth January signing behind loan duo Jordan McMillan and Paul McGowan and striker Kenny Deuchar.

And the midfielder, who has enjoyed loan spells at Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and Livingston, could be pitched straight into the side for Saturday’s Homecoming Scottish Cup fifth round clash against Dundee United.

A midfield berth will be available as vice-captain James McArthur is suspended following his red card against Ross County in the last round.

Reid said: “Rocco is a local lad who interests me. I’ve known him since he was very young and he’s got huge potential.

“Rocco wants to play in the SPL again, he’s hungry and he’s here until the end of the season to impress me and put himself in the shop window for Hamilton Accies – or somebody else – and I think that’s healthy for him.

“He’s got loads of ability and my belief is that if Rocco gets his attitude spot-on – like the other guys in the dressing room – then he can play a huge part at this club.

“At the moment Rocco has got to prove himself in the SPL and this is his opportunity. I feel that he’s ready to do that.”

Reid is pleased with his squad and said: “We’ve got some decent options and Jordan McMillan and David Elebert have trained with us this week as well. They’re not going to be back this week, but they’re getting nearer.

“I’m happy with what we’ve brought in during the January transfer window and they’re all different.

“Paul, Jordan and Rocco are looking for games and Kenny Deuchar will certainly add firepower.

“Kenny’s frustrated at the moment that he’s not getting on the park but that will come.

“He hasn’t played since mid-November and needs a wee bit of time to get up to speed, but the more training sessions he gets involved in the closer he gets. Kenny will feature in Saturday’s game.”

During the window Accies also snapped up midfielder John Sullivan and full-back Padraic Ormsby from League of Ireland side Bohemians. Both are aged 18, are under contract until 2010 and go into the under-19 squad.

Stephen Ettien, meanwhile, has almost certainly played his last game for the club after being farmed out on loan to Second Division Brechin City.

The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer, and it is unlikely to be renewed.

Meanwhile, Reid admits he’s looking forward to Saturday’s New Douglas Park clash with United and said: “We’re on a good run and want to continue that, but there is a wee bit of added spice because we’ve taken four points out of six against them and there was a lot said after the game at Tannadice.

“It’s got the makings of an interesting cup tie and hopefully we can keep performing to the level we’re at.

“This club should have aspirations of having a decent cup run. We’re eighth in the Premier League, we should be trying to at least get into the last four, and possibly go all the way.”

Reid was delighted with Saturday’s 2-0 win over Hearts, courtesy of a Simon Mensing double, and said: “It’s nice to win football matches but to do it in that manner is excellent.

“Every one of my players, to a man, was outstanding.

“Teams don’t like playing against us, they’re finding it hard to break us down, and Hearts didn’t have too many chances.

“It’s quite remarkable what we’ve done in the last few weeks but I’m not stupid and know things can change.

“In this league teams have a habit of going on a run and then losing five in a row – we’ve got to ensure that doesn’t happen to us.”

lAccies defenders Brian Easton and Jordan McMillan have been selected for a Scotland under-21 training camp in Dunblane next week and could feature in a bounce game, while James McCarthy is in the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad to face Germany.