The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Hamilton back in fray in time for top-table clash with Inverness
Striker Jack Hamilton is set to rejoin Arbroath in time for Sunday’s top of the table clash with Inverness.
Hamilton will join the Lichties for a second spell on loan from Livingston until the end of the season.
It is understood final terms are being agreed by all parties, with the deal is likely to be announced before Sunday.
The 21-year-old is set to be included in the match-day squad and could even feature for Dick Campbell’s side against Caley Thistle.
The loan deal comes as Joel Nouble heads back to the Lions in the New Year halfway through his loan spell.
Arbroath will still be able to utilise the Englishman’s services for the time being.
Livi boss David Martindale previously said another loan spell at Gayfield would do the young forward the world of good.
“He 100% needs to go back out and play,” he said.
“With Joel coming back from Arbroath, that would be a move that makes sense. He’d be going to a top Championship club that he knows.”
Hamilton joined the Lichties in the January window last term and netted eight times in 14 appearances.
Other clubs, believed to have been Cove Rangers and Queen’s Park, were also interested taking Hamilton on loan but it was the Championship league leaders who look to have landed their man.
Arbroath and Inverness go into the game fresh after Covid put a halt to their midweek fixtures.
“I was disappointed the game was off during the week, you want to keep the momentum going,” Dick Campbell told Courier Sport, as he gets set to return to the dugout after a two-week absence due to Covid.
“I’m looking forward to the game. It will be a fascinating start to the year, being top of the league. You’d have thought I’d have lost my marbles if I’d said that at the start of the season.”
Arbroath go into the game without influential winger Scott Stewart, who recently signed a new Gayfield deal.
Although a big miss, Campbell does not feel Stewart’s absence will alter his team too much from the side that beat Dunfermline 3-0.
“It is what it is, I can’t say that there will be a lot of changes. It could possibly see James Craigen coming in for Scott.”
One player not quite ready for a return just yet is Nicky Low. The former Dundee and Aberdeen midfielder has been out since September with an ankle injury.
“Nicky trained with us on Wednesday night,” Campbell said.
“It will be a couple of weeks and he’ll be back into the fold. He’s looking good.”
Campbell is still awaiting further word from Falkirk on loanee Anton Dowds, who could be recalled after Sunday’s game.