O’hara hailed after penning new deal
Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin says Kevin O’hara’s contract extension is an example to others of hard work paying off.
The 25-year-old striker has signed a new deal until 2026, having hit 15 goals in an impressive season so far.
And the fact that he wants more is pleasing for Rankin, who wants others in his squad to have that drive.
Rankin says he’s speaking to others about extending their own contracts, as he builds for next season and beyond.
He said: “I’m delighted that Kevin has signed an extension.
“Kev has come in, made an impact, and I’ve spoke for a long time about how important he is to the way we play.
“He has added goals to his game from the beginning of the season, he’s gone on a good run of scoring.
“But it’s not only that, it’s what he brings to us as a group and as a team.
“His goals are great, and he puts the finishing touches to a fair amount of chances, but it’s his whole work ethic, leadership from the front, his willingness to put his foot or his head in, and the drive that a lot of people, apart from on a Saturday, won’t see day to day.
“He’s a great pro, he’s an example of someone who works hard at their game and continually wants to get the best from themselves.
“I’m delighted to get Kev’s deal extended, and it’s one that I think he thoroughly deserves.”
O’hara was part of the Dunfermline squad that won the League One title last season, but scored only three times in 24 games, and was released at the end of his contract.
Rather than believing that O’hara had a point to prove, Rankin was delighted with the chance to snap him up.
He said: “People say that Kevin came in with a point to prove, but I don’t think he did, and certainly not to myself.
“When I looked at us last season I felt we didn’t have legs at the top
end of the pitch that could pose a threat to the opposition and have them constantly aware of what was going on.
“I heard from sources that Kev was going elsewhere, so that was one I had to try and get hold of very quickly, and we worked hard at it, I have to say.
“We were fortunate to be able to snap Kev up, and his return so far is really good, and pleasing.
“But I know Kev, and I know Kev’s standards, and he wants to score more.
“He’s happy, he’s contributed 15 goals, but he wants more, and that’s the drive that I’m looking for.”
Rankin added:“we need to continue to build, but continue to reward as well.
“It’s good that we can reward someone based on performances and on work ethic, and that needs to be the case. We need to merge the two together.
“We’re planning for the future, making sure we’ve got a good base here, so Kev is not the only one that we’re speaking to right now.
“Hard work pays off, and Kev certainly works hard.
“His challenge now is not resting on what he’s done, but to continue that and improve on it again.”
O’hara will hope to build on his tally when Hamilton host Queen of the South on Saturday.