BRIAN’S CUP KOP-PY CATS
Rice urged his Accies to play like champions Liverpool
Hamilton’s 5-0 Scottish Cup fourth round win over Edinburgh City was inspired by European and World champions Liverpool.
Head coach Brian Rice isn’t in any way comparing Accies to the Klop juggernaut that seems to be on course to add the Premier League title to their trophy room, but rather the relentless nature of their performances.
Rice watched Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder enthuse about Jurgen Klopp’s side as they beat the Blades 2-0 two weeks ago.
And the fact that the Reds battered the Yorkshiremen from start to finish was what the gaffer took away from the game at Anfield.
Accies certainly put League Two side City to the sword, racing into a 3-0 interval lead with goals from debutante Andy Dales, Scott
Mcmann and Scott Martin, with 17-year-old striker Andy Winter netting on his debut before Mickel Miller added a late header.
Rice was delighted with that and said: “It was a continuation of the second half at Motherwell, where we were on the front foot and pressed the game really well.
“We scored a couple of good goals and put the game to bed early.
“I had warned them not to underestimate anybody. It doesn’t matter who you are playing, let’s be as professional as we can, and let’s treat every game the same.
“I heard Chris Wilder talking about Liverpool.
“The first five minutes they ran over the top of Sheffield United and kept it going for 90 minutes, and if the best team in the world at this minute in time can do that, then why can’t we work hard for 90 minutes? Wee things like that give me inspiration and seeing the boys pressing like they did, that fills me with hope.”
Rice reiterated his desire to lead Accies on a decent run in the Scottish Cup, with a last-16 tie looming against Rangers at home.
He also wants to improve the league position, with a trip to Hibs last night (Wednesday) followed by the visit of Livingston this weekend.
He said: “It’s important for us to get a cup run. I want to win as many games as possible, I want the club to get a wee cup run because it’s more money for us, but it’s something for the fans as well.
“I love it for the players, because they put a shift in for me every day and every week.
“But I think the fans deserve a wee cup run and we’re trying our best to do that.”