Source: Team_Talk
Reid talks up next big star
Hamilton manager Billy Reid has tipped Jordan Kirkpatrick to be the next young star to emerge at the Scottish Premier League club.[LNB] James McArthur became the latest product of the Accies' youth system to leave for pastures new in the summer when he made a big money move to Premier League side Wigan.[LNB]The midfielder followed in the footsteps of James McCarthy and Brian Easton who had previously earned moves to Wigan and Burnley respectively.[LNB]Hamilton manager Reid, who once again had to spend the summer refurbishing his squad, is looking for 18-year-old Kirkpatrick to come to the fore this season.[LNB]Ahead of the trip to Aberdeen for the Clydesdale Bank opener, Reid said: "Jordan Kirkpatrick is one to keep your eye on.[LNB]"He can still play for the under-19s but he came in last season and played a few games and impressed.[LNB]"He has to get past Dougie Imrie and the Paixao twins but he has been sensational in pre-season so look out for him."[LNB]Reid continued: "We've lost around half a team from last season.[LNB]"McArthur is away as is James Wesolowski and Trent McClenahan, and Easton is back at Burnley following his loan spell.[LNB]"It's a challenge getting more players in, it keeps you on your toes.[LNB]"But it wasn't a fluke that we finished last season unbeaten in 11 games or so on the bounce apart from a defeat to Rangers.[LNB]"If we had added one or two players to that same squad then we would have been looking for a top six spot this season.[LNB]"So that is a frustration but players move on to bigger things."[LNB]Accies will travel to Pittodrie in confident mood after winning twice there last season but Reid will not take any succour from the Dons' dismal pre-season form which brought just two wins in eight friendlies.[LNB]He said: "A team like Accies should always get a thrill going to play at Aberdeen.[LNB]"They are a massive, massive club and they are favourites to win, they are the home side.[LNB]"But Hamilton hadn't won up there in 72 years and we've won three times out of four in the last two seasons.[LNB]"However, I don't read anything into pre-season games, every manager will tell you that.[LNB]"By their own admission they had a disappointing time last season and they will be looking to kick-start this season with a win.[LNB]"But the spirit in our squad is good, we are fit and we've got to make sure we play our own game."
