Hamilton Accies boss: We've had to modify training and playing, we can't afford injuries

John Rankin says they have to be careful with demands placed on players

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Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin admits he has to hold players back for fear of injuries, given their transfer embargo this season.

And he says midweek games in the KDM Evolution Trophy aren’t helping him, as he bids to keep key players fit.

Accies host Annan Athletic in the revamped ‘ladder’ competition on Saturday, rather than Tuesday or Wednesday, but Rankin says it is still taking its toll.

He said: “Wednesday night games in the cup are not ideal for us, we have less of a rest day, and we need to come off the back of a tough weekend.

“There was a sickness bug going through the squad, which wasn’t ideal, it never is, but some of the players were able to get out their bed and play when we needed them to.

“The boys have had to dig in. We’ve relied on the same players more or less week on week, because the squad is so thin.

“It’s credit to the players, they continue to do what we want them to do, but we’ve had to strike some sort of balance and formation that suits everybody.

“It has been tough at times, and players have been asked to play out of position, but we’ve found a way recently, and long may that continue.

“We’ve chopped and changed at different times, because we’ve had to, based on who has been available.

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“But the players continue to graft and work hard, and we’re delighted with the way they take on information – but there’s a long way to go.”

A run of five wins on the bounce has taken Accies top of League One, beating previous leaders Inverness and Stenhousemuir in successive Saturdays, but Rankin says it’s still a balancing act.

“We’re beginning to get bodies back, and feeling a wee bit stronger, in terms of the players that are able to train and be available for a Saturday,” said Rankin.

“We’re in a better position than we were a month ago, but there is still a long way to go.

“Having had injuries and being restricted in who we can bring in makes a big difference, but it has helped us recently, being able to keep players on the pitch and fit.

“We’ve had to modify what we would have done previously in training, with regards to demands we put on players, because we are wary of getting another injury or picking somebody up, because we are so light on the ground.

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“I have to say we’ve had to keep one back in previous games, to have an ace up our sleeve when we’ve needed it, and whoever has been asked to do that so far has taken it on the chin, and been able to influence the game in the way we would be looking to.

“But at the same time, going with a slightly smaller squad, there’s more harmony, because players’ faces aren’t tripping them when they’re not playing!”

• Meanwhile, Hamilton’s league clash with Queen of the South on October 25 has been brought forward to the Friday.

Cumbernauld Colts are playing a Scottish Cup clash on the Saturday at Broadwood and Accies have moved to accommodate them. Kick-off is 7.45pm.