The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Derby adds spice to key battle for survival
Captain Michael Devlin has highlighted the stand-alone nature of Hamilton’s crucial game against Motherwell amid Accies’ battle for survival.
Martin Canning’s side came off the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday, two points ahead of Inverness, with a 1-0 win over St Johnstone at the SuperSeal stadium.
Hamilton travel to Fir Park tonight looking to build on that first win in four matches and improve their prospects of survival, but Devlin stressed the rivalry between the two clubs is an important factor.
The 23-year-old said: “It is a derby, the fans want the win, the players and manager wants the win. Forget what that does for you in the league, it is a big game anyway.”
Grant Gillespie will miss out with an ankle injury.
New signing David Templeton is added to the squad after brushing up on his fitness, while Louis Longridge has trained for the first time since he broke his foot in February.
Meanwhile, Chris Cadden reckons attack is the best form of defence for Motherwell as they look to guard against a nervy relegation scrap.
Steelmen boss Stephen Robinson went with a bold three-man attack at Ibrox on Saturday and was unlucky not to see his side come away with all three points.
And that convinced wideman Cadden his side should use their performance during the 1-1 draw with Rangers as a blueprint for a danger-zone escape act.
Tenth-placed Well sit just a point above Hamilton.
But Scotland Under-21 attacker Cadden says his team are ready to take the fight to Martin Canning’s side.
Top scorer Louis Moult is an injury concern. The striker suffered an ankle knock during the draw with Rangers.
Richard Tait could return after groin surgery but Jacob Blyth has a “niggle” which may rule him out. Defender Stephen McManus (groin) remains on the sidelines.