Rice: Virus left us nine men down
BRIAN RICE admits decimated Hamilton are now at coronavirus crisis point after suffering yet more withdrawals from his squad.
The Accies boss was without four players through self-isolation s issues and another five through injury as they lost to Livingston and he insists most would have started this clash.
He said: “To have nine players missing before we start for a club like Hamilton, we can’t cope with that with the size of our squad.
“That’s not why we lost. Livingston were excellent and thoroughly deserved to win but seven of those nine would be starters.
“Five injuries and one Covid and three track and trace. Don’t ask me the rules on track and trace as it seems to change day to day.
“The heart of my team was ripped out. It’s soul destroying. We could field a team as nobody is wanting games cancelled. But to put out a strongest team to compete I need some of those players on the pitch.
“There were young lads out there nowhere near the team in recent months. It’s nobody’s fault but it’s the way it is. We were just hanging on.
“I’m disappointed one or two didn’t take their opportunity but I can understand it as well. We play Celtic on Saturday and none of them will be back and my goalie went off.”
For David Martindale, winning is becoming a habit but he’s not getting carried away. The jubilant Livi boss said: ”Hopefully it goes on a wee bit longer. We’ve had a good run and the boys are in a good place.
“Momentum is massive but look at the league and it’s really tight. One draw and a defeat and you could be bottom three.
“There’s a lot of room at the top but fifth and sixth has to be our objectives.”