Canning & Co look to upset old friend Doc
GREG DOCHERTY was a massive influence on the outcome of the last match between Hamilton and Rangers, setting up the clinching goal for Accies with a trademark powerhouse run through midfield.
Hamilton manager Martin Canning is hoping his team will be on the right side of the result again this weekend, while his former player will this time be on the receiving end of another shock result along with his new team-mates.
Canning is looking forward to seeing the midfielder again, and he hopes his dedication to the cause while in the red-and-white hoops will see him receive a warm welcome from his former supporters.
And he is certain that the example of Docherty can be a source of inspiration for other young players within his squad.
“It will be great to see Greg again,” said Canning.
“It’s part of the process of this club that if we can bring a player through and they go on to a bigger club like Rangers then we are doing our job properly, and the kid gets that opportunity.
“Greg will be welcomed back here, he did great for us and he kept his head down and worked hard through it all.
“Obviously, i n the changing room we all know if the boys have a team, and we knew he was a Rangers man. It’s a big move for him and for his family, they are big Rangers people. That’s nothing I hold against Greg, he has had the opportunity to go and play for the club that he supported, and our club has benefited financially.
“I would hope the fans will be fine with him, because he did everything completely professionally and worked hard for this club.
“He had been here since he was nine years old, and he got an opportunity. The club was rewarded with a fair value for him, and it’s not like Greg created any problems to leave.
“I would hope that he gets a good reception.”
Although they will go into this match with Docherty now behind enemy lines, Canning hopes that their 2-0 win at Ibrox back in November can give his men the belief to repeat the feat tomorrow.
“The last game was a good performance away from home, and at home you should technically have a better chance,” he said. “So, we can definitely take confidence from it.
“Rangers have brought in some good players, and we’ve added a couple as well, so it will be a different game. Hopefully we can go and get three points again.”
New signings Ross Jenkins and Kenny van der Weg will come into contention for the match at the Superseal Stadium, with Canning saying he had no worries about pitching the former Ross County man into the same squad as Ioannis Skondras, despite their infamous bust-up in December that led to the Accies man picking up a five-match ban.
“We booked the boxing ring for them outside, but they’re fine!” laughed Canning. “It’s just a bit of banter and a bit of fun for everybody.”