Hamilton vs Livingston preview - Reid buoyed by skipper's return

Posted Monday, December 26, 2011 by PA

Hamilton have received a huge boost ahead of their Boxing Day clash with Livingston as skipper Alex Neil has been included in manager Billy Reid's squad for the first time this season.

The experienced 30 year old made a playing comeback in a friendly game last Saturday, however goalkeeper Tomas Cerny remains out with a shoulder knock and Grant Anderson is a doubt with a knee injury.

Manager Billy Reid is preaching caution on Neil's prospects.

"Alex is a huge player for us and we will be a better team for having him in the side but we will take our time before playing him for a full 90 minutes," he said.

"The last time we played Livingston we were disappointing but we have beaten them in the Ramsdens Cup this season and will take confidence from that."

Livingston striker Rory Boulding will make his comeback from suspension with the Lions also having youngster Ross Gray in their pool following a couple of months on loan at Berwick Rangers

Defender Cameron Macdonald is a doubt, however Mark McNulty is over an ankle knock and he is included in manager Gary Bollan's plans to build on a win at Raith Rovers a fortnight ago.

Bollan said: "We have won one, drawn one and lost one against Hamilton this season and all three games have been tight affairs.

"They will be as well organised as ever but we have the chance to build on the good 3 points we won at Kirkcaldy and open up a wee gap between ourselves and Accies."