Accies gaffer denies Antoine-Curier will miss rest of season

Feb 4 2010 by Andrew McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid this week denied rumours that striker Mickael Antoine-Curier will miss the rest of the season.

But a knee ‘clean-up’ operation means the striker will be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Reid moved in the transfer window to secure Dougie Imrie from Inverness for a five-figure fee, and hopes that Hamilton can cope without Antoine-Curier, who has become something of a talisman.

He said: “There were fears that Mickael would be out for the season but that’s not the case.

“There was a wee concern that he had fluid behind his knee and that it could spread, so we had him checked out and he just needs a clean-up operation.

“That’s a bad enough blow because we’re going to miss him for maybe six weeks, and Mickael has been fantastic for us up front.

“The injury happening right at the end of the window didn’t help and I tried to bring somebody in but I wasn’t able to.”

Reid was, however, delighted to finally land Imrie (pictured right) at the third attempt.

He said: “I think Dougie’s attitude is excellent. He’s a winner and you know what you’re going to get from him.

“Dougie is pretty flexible; he can play on either wing or through the middle, so we’ll see how he shapes up with the team.

“He’s a player I’ve admired for quite a few years now, since he came through at Lanark United, and I remember thinking ‘this boy’s got something’.

“He went to Clyde, did well, and got himself a move to Inverness and we’ve managed to get him here, so I’m delighted.

“I think the quality of player we’ve brought in has been upped again with Brian (Easton) and Dougie, and we brought Joel Thomas back from Colchester on loan as well, which was originally to help Mickael out a bit.”

Accies tried to boost their squad further, but Kilmarnock refused an improved offer for midfielder Craig Bryson, and other last-gasp moves fell through.

Meanwhile, midweek results – 1-0 wins for Kilmarnock and Falkirk over Celtic and Aberdeen, respectively, conspired to put Accies bottom of the SPL on goal difference.

But Reid will hope his side can bounce back from that setback when they travel to Fir Park for Saturday’s derby.

He said: “It’s not a game that we need to get the players up for. Every week, in this league, their attitude is fantastic.

“These are great times for Accies.We’re playing in the top level of Scottish football every week, and I think Saturday’s game is one we’re more than capable of picking up points from.”

Reid was disappointed with Saturday’s 1-0 defeat by Celtic, but reckoned the week-long ‘break’ between games is vital to his battle-weary troops.

“I’m obviously unhappy about where we are in the league but it’s been a gruelling schedule for us,” said Reid, whose side played seven games in 20 days during January

“The break between games is massive for us because it has been difficult for all the players.”

On the Celtic game, Reid said: “It wasn’t the best of games. There weren’t a lot of chances and I think the surface had a wee bit to do with that.

“I thought the single goal would win the game and it would come from a set-piece or a mistake, and Celtic got the break when the ball bounced off Martin Canning’s foot and into the path of Morten Rasmussen, who put the ball in the net. It was disappointing.”

Defender Mark McLaughlin is suspended for Saturday’s clash at Motherwell – and Wednesday’s game against Dundee United at Tannadice – after going through the disciplinary points barrier.

Captain Alex Neil could return for the visit to Fir Park, while James Wesolowski is nearing full fitness after a hamstring injury.

Wednesday’s match at Dundee United kicks-off at 7.45pm.