Reid striker search still on despite arrival of old boy Lyle

Jul 21 2011 By Andy McGilvray, Hamilton Advertiser

HAMILTON boss Billy Reid is still on the lookout for a striker but says he's happy enough with his squad ahead of Saturday's Ramsdens Cup first round clash against Queen's Park at Hampden.

Reid will take a youthful squad into the clash with Third Division Queen's but is pleased to have added experienced hit-man Derek Lyle on a short-term contract.

Lyle originally joined Hamilton in 2008 and left in December last year, but having impressed in training and pre-season games, the striker has re-signed until January.

Reid said: "Derek has a very good scoring record, not so much in the Premier League but definitely in the First Division and we hope, like many others, that he chips in with a few goals.

"We still need a striker and we're looking at the moment.

"We still need the guy up through the middle to play for us.

"It's not easy, with the budget we're working with, but we're still looking for what we call a 'No9' and if we can get that it would allow Dougie Imrie to play in a channel, rather than up front.

"But there's no rush - we're relaxed about what we have in our squad at the moment and we're looking forward to the game against Queen's Park, although we're more geared for the league opener at Ayr United."

Reid felt that Sunday's 2-1 New Douglas Park friendly defeat against League One side Huddersfield Town was good preparation ahead of Saturday's clash against the Third Division side.

He said: "We were playing against a League One team and some of their boys are on big money, and that's the difference.

"We know we've got good players but they've got to brush up on finishing when they get chances."