Hamilton V Partick at New Douglas Park : Match Preview

18 March 2016 16:34
Hamilton V Partick - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Hamilton midfielder Grant Gillespie sees no reason to change his approach

Hamilton midfielder Grant Gillespie will not change his approach despite being the most booked player in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Gillespie picked up his 12th yellow card of the season during last weekend's victory at Inverness, consigning him to a two-match ban which kicks in after Saturday's Premiership game against Partick Thistle.

That represents a caution every two games but the holding midfielder believes yellow cards come with the territory in his position.

The 24-year-old, who has never been sent off in his career, said: "I've looked back on all my bookings and there has only been one I can remember that wasn't for a tackle.

"Especially in the position I play, it's not something I am too worried about. The gaffer hasn't spoken to me about it.

"I don't think I am doing too much wrong. I'd argue the case that most of them probably aren't yellow cards.

"Until the gaffer speaks to me and says to calm down a bit, then I won't be changing anything about my game."

Accies boss Martin Canning is not about to have a word with his midfielder.

Canning said: "That's just part of the position he plays and the way he plays as well, he has got to to go and make those important tackles.

"He will be the last line in front of the back two if the full-backs are pushed on.

"That's just part of his job - he has got to make those tackles and he will pick up bookings."

Despite having Gillespie available, Hamilton are still without three suspended players for the clash against Partick.

Defender Jesus Garcia Tena continues his ban while Antons Kurakins and Carlton Morris serve one-match punishments.

Partick, meanwhile, are chasing a top-six spot and midfielder Gary Fraser hopes he can fill the boots of Jags talisman Stuart Bannigan.

The former Bolton youngster has taken Bannigan's place after he was ruled out with a knee injury.

Thistle know a win will keep them on the tails of sixth-placed Motherwell, who are four points in front but have played a game more.

Fraser told ptfc.co.uk: "It's a massive loss to have Stuart Bannigan injured, however it's given me the opportunity to play.

"You do wish you were coming in under different circumstances but I believe in my ability and believe when I'm fully fit and in form, I'm good enough to start anyway so I just have to go out and show that."

Thistle defender Freddie Frans drops out of the squad following a family bereavement while Mustapha Dumbuya (ankle) and Stuart Bannigan (knee) remain sidelined.

On-loan Celtic winger Aidan Nesbitt returns but the Jags have lost their last three Premiership games after taking on the league's leading trio - the Hoops, Aberdeen and Hearts.

And Fraser expects another tough afternoon against 10th-placed Accies.

He said: "It's an important game, it's always important to win the games against the teams round about you.

"We've just come out of a run of games against the top three sides in the league and not taken any points so it's important we put some more points on the board in the games coming up."


Source: PAR