Hamilton Advertiser

Accies ace will be“a nuisance”for defenders

- PAUL THOMSON

Hamilton Accies new boy Callum Smith has always dreamed of taking on Celtic and Rangers –and now he has the chance, he wants to make a nuisance of himself in the Premiershi­p next season.

The 20-year-old raised a few eyebrows earlier this month when he joined Accies, following a spell on loan at League One Airdrieoni­ans last season

Released by his parent club Dunfermlin­e, the striker signed a two-year deal with Brian Rice’s side and believes he is ready to make his mark on the top flight.

Smith said: “I’m dying to get started. I had a decent season at Airdrie last season, so I’m looking forward to testing myself in the Premiershi­p.

“Obviously it’s a big step up, but I think I’m capable of doing it.

“Playing the likes of Celtic and Rangers has always been my dream growing up and now I’ve got the chance to play in the Premiershi­p, hopefully I can take it and play as much as I can.

“I’m a nuisance for defenders, I never give them a minute. I’m quite quick so I’ll offer that as well. I can’t wait to meet the boys .”

Smith joins an Accies squad featuring a few forward-thinking players in the likes of David

Templeton and Andy Winter, not to mention a strong strike partnershi­p of Marios Ogkmpoe and David Moyo.

But Smith, who netted six goals for Airdrie last term, reckons he will bring a different dynamic

He added: “I’m still quite young so it’s going to be a learning curve for me, especially playing with the top players Hamilton have.

“I’ve always seen Templeton on the telly and things and he’s a player who has caught my eye at Hamilton, so learning from the likes of him will be good as well.

“Someone like Ogkmpoe is more of a physical kind of striker. That’s not my kind of game as much. I’m sharp and nippy and will rile up defenders.

“At Airdrie I managed to get six goals when I was playing rightmidfi­eld for much of the season, so I would say that’s a decent return. I got quite a lot of assists as well, so hopefully I can assist some goals too.

“I’ve been working hard to get this chance and now that it’s here, I’m not going to let it go.”

And the youngster says gaffer Rice has been a huge encouragem­ent to him already.

“Brian said to come in and work hard because he won’t be scared to play me. He said he always gives young boys chances, so if I work hard, hopefully I get my chance.”

 ??  ?? Ready Smith was at Airdrie last term
Ready Smith was at Airdrie last term

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