English Premier clubs eye Accies youngster

BURNLEY and Brighton are weighing up moves for Hamilton’s rising defensive star Jamie Hamilton. The 17-year-old centre-back has made nine first-team appearances this term and looks set to follow the likes of James McCarthy, James McArthur, Lewis Ferguson and Greg Docherty in graduating from Accies’ esteemed youth set-up. Composed in possession, Hamilton first came to prominence captaining Scotland’s Under-17 side and has since progressed to the Under-19 squad, picking up five caps and scoring once. His mature displays have attracted attention from a number of English clubs including Aston Villa, Everton and Wolves. However, Burnley and Brighton are the sides weighing up whether to make a bid next month, with Accies thought to be looking for around £1.5million. Manager Brian Rice left the youngster on the bench for his team’s 1-0 home defeat by St Johnstone on Boxing

Day to give Brian Easton a start in his place. The 31-year-old, who came through Accies’ system before playing for Burnley, Dundee and St Johnstone, will make his 150th appearance for the club if he features in tomorrow’s derby against Motherwell at Fir Park. ‘I started here and, despite some of the results, I’ve been happy and loving life back here,’ said Easton. ‘This club is looking for so many things. It’s about bringing through young, homegrown talent and, obviously, it’s about picking up points. ‘With the youth we have in the team and from what I’ve seen so far, there’s enough there to get it right. ‘Once we start picking up points, these boys will get all the experience they need. ‘The bottom line is making sure we start climbing the table. It’s important we get as high as we can.’