Stirling was inspired by Martin move to Hamilton

NEW Hamilton defender Ben Stirling admits seeing Scott Martin launch his top- flight career at Accies convinced him to follow the same path from Hibs.

The 22- year- old ( above) joined up with Brian Rice’s side on a permanent deal yesterday after failing to make the breakthrough at Easter Road and could make his debut away to the Leith outfit on Friday.

Stirling’s former team- mate Martin has not looked back after leaving Hibs for Hamilton two years, the midfielder racking up 60 competitive outings.

And Stirling, who has also spent loan stints at Berwick Rangers, Cowdenbeath, Stirling, Arbroath and most recently Alloa, is now desperate to get his career kick- started with Hamilton.

He said: “Looking at Scott coming here, playing week in and week out, it gave me that extra incentive to make the move and follow in his footsteps and try to nail down a starting position in the first team.

“The amount of youth players this club brings through and develops, that is something I want to be a part of.”

Midfielder Alex Gogic made the switch in the opposite direction this summer and Stirling admits he also sounded out the Cypriot after Hamilton before signing.

He added: “I spoke to Goga on Friday and he couldn’t speak highly enough of the club. He came here for a few years and loved every minute of it. After my first training session with the lads I can see why.”

Stirling is now relishing the prospect of making his debut against Hibs on Friday.

He added: “There is no better place to start. I just need to focus on impressing over the next couple of days and then hopefully I will be able to get some minutes.”