TALKING HAMILTON

They scored one goal from open play.

“The performance from the team was good. We’ve got to make sure we do the same again.

“Even the second game, and I know this can sound silly when it’s been 6-0, but in the first half we were good and were well in the game. We controlled large parts of it. We need to make sure we go and do that again.

“What we can’t do is concede sloppy goals. Whether you are playing Rangers or a junior team, anyone can kick the ball into the box and head it so you’ve got to make sure you are organised within the game and disciplined in the basics.

HE ADDED: “It’s not like we are sitting in and getting nowhere near the ball – getting a doing if you like.

“If you take Aberdeen and Celtic into it as well, in the four games against the top four teams in the league, we’ve conceded one goal from open play against Celtic and none against Aberdeen so that’s three goals from open play against the top four teams.

“That’s not making excuses. We’ve still conceded too many. But it’s a basic part of the game – defending a free kick.

“We just need to defend set pieces and not give away stupid free kicks and not pass the ball straight to them and put them clear on goal.

“I’ve got to take my responsibility as well because it’s not good enough as a group.” loan, as is the lone Ranger of the group, Ryan Hardie.

Gemmill reckons it is up to clubs and the players to decide what is the best course of action for them as they look to further their careers.

He added: “I think young players have to go on the guidance of their own clubs and on their instincts.

“If you look down the list it seems to be working quite well. Joe Thomson is an example. He played at under-20s level and I think they went unbeaten for 16 months, pretty much winning every game.

“And then all of a sudden he’s gone on loan, Queen of the South being his second, and he has shown he can do it at first-team level.”