Billy Reid says he wants to hold on to Dougie Imrie but concedes he would be powerless to prevent the Hamilton Academical board from cashing in on the player.

Imrie featured in Accies’ Scottish Cup replay exit to St Mirren on Tuesday night, almost taking the game to extra-time with a 35-yard effort which came back off the post.

Dundee United have made a bid to sign Imrie from the First Division side and Reid says it would have to be business as usual at New Douglas Park if the midfielder left.

"We are used to it, we have lost influential players before and it's just the way it is at the football club," Reid said.

"I don't have any say in it. If Dougie goes, we need to just go and build again.

"I don't want Dougie Imrie to leave. That would be crazy with how he is playing at the moment.

"He is one of our most influential forward players so why would you want him to leave?"

IN DETAIL

• Dundee United make move for Dougie Imrie