Accies ready for Aberdeen after Killie defeat

Aug 20 2009 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid has warned Aberdeen to expect a backlash from Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Kilmarnock when they visit New Douglas Park this weekend.

Reid is well aware that Mark McGhee’s Dons will be smarting themselves following a humbling 3-1 defeat at home to Celtic but said his side have a point to prove.

He said: “We’re looking to get points on the board and put on a show for our fans. The park is looking fantastic and the players are really looking forward to the first home game of the season.

“I don’t think Saturday’s result was necessarily an accurate reflection on the game but the fact is that we lost 3-0. The players were hugely disappointed. They’re hurting and feel that they have a point to prove.

“We realise that Aberdeen are very dangerous and probably more so coming on the back of their defeat against Celtic but I felt the teams were evenly matched last season, when we beat them twice, and I expect a close game.”

Defender Martin Canning returns from suspension, which will considerably bolster Hamilton’s back line, while international clearance has been received for striker Marcos Paixao and he goes into Saturday’s squad.

Reid is delighted to welcome former Hibs stopper Canning back to his squad.

He said: “Canning came through 75 minutes of a game during the week. I felt that he was outstanding at the end of last season so he will feature.

“Marcos should be in the squad as well and those are two quality additions.”

Right-back Trent McClenahan played 45 minutes of the midweek game but is still not ready.

Although Accies didn’t get the start they wanted to their SPL campaign, Reid handed debuts to SEVEN players - Luis Rubiales, Izzy Iriekpen, James Wesolowski, Marvin Andrews, Flavio Paixao, John Paul Kissock and David Louhoungou.

Reid saw enough positives in the Rugby Park clash to give him grounds for optimism.

He said: “We’re a wee bit behind. It’s always difficult when you’re bringing players in and expecting them to gel and it’s not going to work straight away but there was enough for me in the first half to see that if we put a full-strength Accies team out on the park we’ll be fine.

“Once we have everybody back, this will be probably the strongest group of players that I’ve worked with. When the window shuts, I would certainly say that will be the case.”

Reid admitted his side were well beaten by Killie.

He said: “The first goal for us was really poor. Kevin Kyle has volleyed it in from six yards and it’s a fantastic finish but there was nobody within three yards of him.

“That was a big disappointment after starting the game quite well. I thought we were slightly unlucky to go in 1-0 down.

“We were well in the game in the second half but a harmless ball was played up the park, nobody went up for the first ball and it’s fallen to Kyle, who has put it into the postage-stamp corner from 25 yards. There’s nothing you can do about that.”

Reid added: “There are positives to be taken out of the game but we didn’t defend well and we didn’t handle the first ball up.

“Right from the first minute, we were all over the place but our two regular centre-backs from last season, Martin Canning and Mark McLaughlin, were missing and that hurt us.

“But Izzy and Marvin will be good additions to the squad once they get going. I have no doubt about that at all.

“Our midfield three did well. I though we dominated that area of the park so there isn’t too much to worry about there.

“Luis Rubiales at left-back showed that he’s going to be a fantastic player in the Premier League. He’ll get forward and create but he needs games.

“David Louhoungou came in and showed that he will be a decent addition to the squad and Flavio Paixao showed enough at times.

“When you put all of that together and you bring back the established players, we don’t have to panic.

“There will be action before the transfer window closes on August 31. We know exactly where we need to add players and if we can sign the right type then I’ll be happy with the squad.”

Accies last week signed left-back Kevin Welsh (24), from Harestanes Amateurs and 18-year-old Kyle Wilkie, a midfielder who was formerly with Stockport County.

On Tuesday, Hamilton take on Ross County in the Co-operative Insurance Cup second round at Victoria Park, Dingwall. Kick-off is at 7.30pm.

lThe club will hold a minute’s applause ahead of Saturday’s match with Aberdeen in memory of former players Graham Potter and Brian McLaughlin, who died in recent weeks.