Hiltonopen toextending Hamiltonstay
Goalkeeper Joe Hilton says he is keen to remain at Hamilton Accies ahead of his loan move from Blackburn Rovers expiring at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old, who has a year remaining on his contract with the English Championship side, arrived at New Douglas Park in June last year.
He has been battling it out with Ryan Fulton for the gloves throughout the season, with both shot-stoppers suffering injuries during the campaign
Hilton claimed the jersey when Fulton was ruled out through ligament damage after slipping on ice in October, but he then lost his place when he suffered medial knee ligament damage in February.
Since making the move north though, Hilton has made 23 appearances for Accies and insists he would be keen to stay in Scotland for another crack in the Scottish Championship, rather than trying to displace Thomas Kaminski and Aynsley Pears between the sticks at Ewood Park.
Hilton said:“there’s a possibility of coming back. I need to speak to both clubs and see what they are wanting.
“But from my side, I’d be happy to come back to Hamilton.
“There’s first choice and second choice at Blackburn so I need to see where I stand with them and what will happen to them in the summer.
“They will both obviously want different things for next season. I’m guided by that to be honest.
”I’ve enjoyed it here. It’s a good standard and I’ve done everything you want as a goalkeeper going out on loan.
“I’ve got games, good exposure. It’s been tough but I’ve enjoyed the challenge.
“It’s the life of a goalkeeper that only one of you can play and you just have to do your best to be ready for that chance when it comes along.
“It came and I felt like I took it and I got a good amount of games. I’ve come back out of the team after an injury, but it is what it is.”
With Accies’season petering out amid safety being secured and a promotion push off the table going into the final two games, Accies boss Stuart Taylor could ring the changes for Saturday’s clash at home to Raith Rovers.
Raith arrive still in the hunt for a play-off spot but Hilton hopes his side can keep their momentum going
Accies have lost just five times in their last 19 games and Hilton added:“we want to finish the season as strongly and as high up the table as we can.
“Raith will be looking to get that play-off spot so they are going to be right on it, but we need to go and play our game.”