Canning doesn’t expect any change in Docherty

Hamilton manager Martin Canning does not believe Greg Docherty will be affected by ongoing transfer speculation and is confident the in-demand midfielder will be back in the Accies squad for the midweek visit of Hearts.

Docherty missed Hamilton’s 2-0 William Hill Scottish Cup derby defeat at Motherwell on Saturday with an ankle injury amid reports he is a transfer target for Rangers.

The Ibrox club are rumoured to have had a bid in the region of £300,000 for the 21-year-old knocked back earlier this week.

“Nothing has changed and Greg is still a Hamilton player,” Canning said after his side’s cup exit.

“It’s part of the game, but as everything stands he’s a Hamilton player and we’re trying to get him back fit for Wednesday. He’s a very mature young boy. He knows he needs to keep his head down and work hard.

“That’s the reason people are talking about him, because he is mature and he does his job properly. I don’t expect that to change.

“Greg’s kept informed by the club but at the moment, as far as I know, the value the club place on him hasn’t been met.”

Asked if he expects Docherty to stay at Accies, Canning said: “I do, yes.”

Hamilton gifted their Lanarkshire neighbours an early lead when defender Scott Mccann overhit his back pass past keeper Gary Woods and into his net. Craig Tanner sealed the win from the spot after Alexander Gogic tripped Curtis Main. “The goals were crazy,” said Canning.

Motherwell manager Stephen Robinson was delighted his side had ended a nine-match winless run. “I thought we were efficient, we were comprehensive, and we got back to what we do best,” he said.