Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Accies keen not to rush Alston back as former club St Johnstone visit
HAMILTON boss Brian Rice insists he will not take risks with Blair Alston’s comeback.
The former Falkirk and St Johnstone midfielder is finally set to return to action this week after two months out with a persistent knee problem.
Accies round off 2020 with a home clash against St Johnstone on Boxing D a y b e f o r e S u n d a y ’s Lanarkshire derby clash with Motherwell, and Rice would love to have Alston involved.
But Rice will only welcome the 27-year-old back if he is convinced he is 100% ready.
“Blair is coming on well and could be involved either on Thursday or perhaps Sunday,” said the Hamilton boss.
“He’s a quality player and I knew what I was getting from him when I brought him to the club in the summer.
“We didn’t realise he would miss as many games as he has when he picked up the injury but he’s responded well to the treatment and, hopefully, he’ll be back this week.
“We’re not going to be stupid with him. I’m not saying he definitely will be involved – I’m just saying we’re hopeful.”
Accies ended an 11-game run without a win as they beat Hearts 2-1 to leapfrog the Jambos and leave t he Gorgie men bottom of the table.
Now they are aiming to record back-to-back wins for the first time since March 2018 when Tommy Wright’s men visit the Foys Stadium.
Rice added: “It’s great to get the win given what the boys have been through. The performances over the last six or seven weeks have been great.
“The boys deserved the win on Saturday and I don’t usually say things like that but they did.
“It’s important we pick points up against t he teams around about us in the league.”