Safety gives Gibson his motivation

Apr 9 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

JAMES Gibson wants six points from Hamilton’s next two games as they bid to secure their SPL status for next season.

Accies welcome Dundee United to New Douglas Park on Saturday, then travel to Inverness for their final clash before the SPL splits in two.

Young left-back Gibson, who has become a regular in the first team in recent weeks, knows how crucial both games could be in the relegation battle.

He said: “These are two of the most important games of our season because while I wouldn’t say we’re safe if we win them, we would certainly be safer.

“I think if we can take six points from those two games it would be hard for the teams below us to claw that back.

“The Dundee United game will be tight but it’s one we have to look at and try to win – particularly with it being at home – and after that we’ve got Inverness away.

“It’s important we win both those games and give ourselves a bit of breathing space after the split.”

The 19-year-old added: “We’ve played Dundee United twice at our place this season and beat them in the league and cup – hopefully we can make it three.

“That won’t be easy though. Even if we go a goal up early on I think Dundee United will still be very dangerous and will cause us problems.”

James played the full 90 minutes in last Saturday’s 4-0 defeat at Celtic Park and didn’t do much wrong, but reckons the experience of such an arena will stand him in good stead.

He said: “It was a hard game but if we had made a few less mistakes I think we could have been closer to them, although Celtic also missed a few chances.

“I thought we did quite well in the first half but in the second we were defending for most of it.

“We weren’t able to do much, but I was happy enough with my performance.”

James added: “Playing against the Old Firm is really good experience. I’ve played at Ibrox a few times this season but that was the first time I’ve played at Celtic Park.

“It’s handy to get games like that because the more you play the better player you’re going to be.

“I’m just glad to have been given the chance in the first team and it shows that the gaffer has a lot of faith in me.

“I had been in and out of the team a bit, so I just hope to stay there until the end of the season.”