Former Dark Blue Callachan has point to prove at Accies

Former Dundee loan star Ross Callachan is looking to prove a point to himself and his Hamilton team-mates after getting a new start with the Lanarkshire club.

The 26-year-old midfielder was on loan from St Johnstone to the Dark Blues in February when he fractured his fibula against Partick Thistle.

A month later football was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis and Callachan got himself fit again to win a contract at Accies, making his debut in the 5-1 defeat by Celtic at Parkhead last Sunday.

Ahead of the visit of Ross County today, the former Raith Rovers and Hearts player admitted he was keen to impress.

He said: “Unless you are (Cristiano) Ronaldo or (Lionel) Messi you always have got things to prove to yourself at any level.

“You always want to get better and I always strive to be better. You can always improve and going to a new club you want to impress, you want your teammates to know you are a good player and hopefully I have showed that so far.

“I was happy to be back out on the pitch last week after picking up a bad injury in February. It was my first game for a wee while, so happy to be back.

“I was obviously disappointed and frustrated that it (injury) happened because it was so unlucky at the time.

“I just worked on my rehab and lockdown came at a good time for me and by the time preseason started with Hamilton I was ready to go.

“I was always confident in myself that I could get back to where I was.”

Harry Paton meanwhile is surprised by the negativity around County’s prospects this season.

The 22-year-old Canadian midfielder has noted that the Staggies have often been mentioned in despatches when possible relegation candidates are discussed.

Stuart Kettlewell’s side got off to an encouraging start with a 1-0 home win over Motherwell on Monday and ahead of the trip to face Accies, the former Hearts and Fulham midfielder spoke about proving doubters wrong.

He said: “What was said in the press about the team was mentioned before the game and and it motivates us to prove them wrong and we definitely showed that against Motherwell the other night.

“It surprises me to see that people think that of us and I think they are wrong. I think we will be pushing for a good spot this year, higher than last year’s position.”