Matthews learning curve on northern adventure

Goalkeeper Remi Matthews has seen enough in his short spell at Hamilton to dispel any notion amove to Scotland is a step down. The 22-year-old arrived at Accies on a seasonlong loan from Norwich in July and has been impressed by the standard of competition during his 12 appearances. The Englishman said: “When I first came up here the lads back home were saying they were not too sure about Scottish football. “But until people come up here and play, I don’t think they know how competitive it is. “There are players such as Joey Barton, Niko Kranjcar of Rangers, who have made a good career in England, come up here and not show what they are capable of. “Players can’t come up and think it is a jolly up because it is not. “I’ve really enjoyed it. There is a good bunch of players here and we’ve done well. “We haven’t had the results in the last couple of games but we have shown what we are capable of – we are creating chances but it is just not falling for us. “I am sure our luck will change and we will get the results needed.” The issue of a goalkeeper’s kicking ability is one of the main topics of debate in football at the moment, with England’s Joe Hart and Scotland’s Craig Gordon in particular coming under scrutiny. Matthews admits it is something he has to address and he said: “When I was younger I was nearly released by Norwich because I couldn’t kick a ball. Then the penny dropped and if you’ve got the technique it is not too bad.”

Remi Matthews