Keatings returns as Accies sign four

Patience paid off for Hamilton manager Martin Canning as he made four deadline-day signings, including James Keatings.

Former Hearts and Hibernian striker Keatings has returned to the club after they paid an undisclosed fee to Dundee United. Accies also signed 21-year-old midfielder Scott Martin from Hibernian, experienced English defender Matthew Kilgallon and Fredrik Brustad, a 29-yearold striker who arrives on loan from Molde.

Keatings helped Accies to promotion in 2014, netting 18 goals, and Canning was delighted to secure his return. “We know what we’re getting with Keatsy – he’s got great quality on the ball and he’s a fantastic finisher,” the Hamilton boss said ahead of today’s visit of St Johnstone.

“He’s had a frustrating time with injury but he’s back fit and raring to go.”

St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright expects Murray Davidson to be out for “around six weeks” after the midfielder had surgery on an ankle injury.

Wright said: “Murray had the operation [on Thursday] and there was a bit of tidying up to be done in there.

“I think we’re looking at around six weeks but I’m always conscious with operations that these timescales can only be used as a guideline.”