Lyon roaring back after red card
Darren Lyon admits he feared for his Hamilton prospects after being sent off on his second start for the club.
The 19-year-old was shown a straight red card for an over-the-top challenge on Motherwell winger Marvin Johnson as his side went down to a 4-0 derby defeat in March.
But Hamilton used their knowledge of the league rules to ensure the teenager served his two-match ban during reserve games and he has started the last three games as Accies turned around their form with their first two wins under Martin Canning.
Lyon, who has played both central midfield and right-back in recent weeks, said: "I was a bit gutted for a few days after the red card because it was only my second start. At first everything was going through my head over the weekend, hopefully I've not harmed my chances.
"But the manager showed a bit of faith in me and pretty much put me straight back in the team. So I was happy with that and I have managed to stay on the park so far."
Lyon underwent knee and foot operations last season so his run in the first team has exceeded his expectations and got his development back on track.
"Last year I was out most of the season through injury so I have been trying to get myself back playing this season and to get in the first team has been a bonus," said Lyon, who aims to make his 15th appearance when Hamilton host Partick Thistle in the Scottish Premiership.
"It's been quite a good season so far and hopefully I can come back fit and playing well next season to try and get in the team again.
"I have really enjoyed getting a bit of experience. I have been grateful for the manager's faith in me and hopefully I can kick on next season."
Conrad Balatoni admits he would love to play abroad - but the Partick Thistle defender is in no rush to leave Firhill.
The 24-year-old is among 13 Thistle players whose contracts expire at the end of the season and negotiations over an extension are at a very early stage.
The former Hearts youth team player is fond of foreign travel and would like to sample a different football culture but is open to remaining in Glasgow.
The Leeds-born centre-back said: "I have always said I would love to go and play abroad, I think it would be a great experience.
"I enjoy going to see different cultures and hopefully enjoying a different style of football, it's a bit more tactical on the continent. Maybe in the next few years something like that might come up but for now it's a case of waiting to see what happens.
"It's going to have to be the right club in the right country if it is abroad I go. I am not in any rush. I have not got any commitments so it would be easy to pack up and go if something did come along, but nothing has happened so it's a matter of waiting to see what comes along."
On the prospect of staying at Thistle, who could still finish seventh in the Premiership if they get a result on Saturday, Balatoni said: "They have made contact with my agent so it's a case of waiting to see what happens. I've had a good five years here so whatever happens, happens.
"But I have been happy here and it's been a good season for myself, I have played over 30 games
"It's got to be the right deal for me and the club so whether or not that happens is yet to be seen. I have not heard what the contract offer is but I know they want me to stay."
Partick midfielder Kallum Higginbotham is a minor doubt. The Englishman has a knock but manager Alan Archibald is hopeful he will be fit.
Long-term casualties Dan Seaborne and Sean Welsh remain out of action.
Source: PAR
