Mentality key in Accies’ ‘biggest game of season’

BOSS Martin Canning believes Hamilton will take a massive step towards safety with a win at Dundee on Saturday and will make sure his players are ready for it.

With three Ladbrokes Premiership fixtures remaining, Accies are six points ahead of bottom side Ross County and four ahead of Partick Thistle, both of whom meet at Firhill tomorrow night.

Hamilton are above the Taysiders on goal difference and, with games running out, Canning will impress upon his squad the significance of a victory.

He said: “We have three games to go and this is the biggest game of the season for us.

“We spoke about it at the start of the week, how important this game is for everybody.

“Mentality is huge for these types of games, you have to make sure you are mentally ready to go and win the game and, if we can get that right, then we know from over the years we can go up there and win.

“The fact Ross County and Partick play tomorrow, we will have a better idea on Saturday what a result would mean and at this stage of the season, if we can win the game, with two games left and three teams below you, it would put you in a good position.

“You wouldn’t be mathematically safe but it would put you in a good position, with another win you could be guaranteed to be safe.”

Hamilton’s 2-0 win over the Staggies last week was their first victory in eight games. Canning acknowledged the boost his side were given from the result but will press the reset button.

He said: “The mentality has to be spot on again. There is little between the teams and I think it is the team that handles the occasion the best who will come out on top.”

Sean Higgins is retiring.