Set to start: Damian Casalinuovo could make his Accies debut against Rangers. Pic: © SNS Group
Hamilton duo set for debuts
Jim Goodwin and Damian Casalinuovo could make their Hamilton debuts against Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions Rangers.
David Elebert and Mark McLaughlin are also pushing for involvement after returning to training following injury.
But skipper Alex Neil is still five to six weeks away from returning from a hip injury.
Hamilton manager Billy Reid believes they are playing Rangers at the perfect moment as a strengthened Accies look to build on their opening win against opponents with plenty of potential distractions.
Reid has had an advantage over Ibrox counterpart Walter Smith in terms of preparation during the international break, while Rangers face a high-profile Champions League encounter against Manchester United on Tuesday.
Accies bounced back from a terrible start to the season when they won 1-0 at Inverness in their previous Clydesdale Bank Premier League game.
Teenage Dutch striker Nigel Hasselbaink made an impressive competitive debut in the Highlands and Reid has since signed former Huddersfield defender Jim Goodwin and striker Damian Casalinuovo from Dundee United.
"I think it's a good time to get Rangers," Reid said. "We're not saying it's going to be easy, far from it, but it's obviously difficult for them to prepare with so many players on international duty.
"They have got a big game at Manchester United to look forward to. I always think the early kick-off is difficult for players as well.
"We are the home side and we have come close in recent seasons to picking up something from the Old Firm."
Rangers are boosted by the news that Kirk Broadfoot has been passed fit.
He suffered an ankle injury while on international duty but is available for selection for the visit to New Douglas Park.
Steven Whittaker is likely to miss out with the calf injury that kept him out of action for Scotland midweek but should return for Tuesday`s Champions League game.
Loan signing Richard Foster could make his debut this weekend, while Andy Webster and John Fleck are both expected to return to training next week.
Manager Walter Smith is determined to ensure the full focus of his players is on the game even though one of their biggest games of the season is looming in just a few days time.
Smith is well aware that the Manchester United encounter is one every single player in his dressing room will relish as they prepare to pit their wits against some of the best players in the world but he was also keen to provide a timely reminder of the importance of the domestic campaign.
The Scottish champions may boast a 100% record so far but, as far as the manager is concerned, they have yet to hit top form and, for that reason, Smith insists none of his players will have one eye on Europe ahead of the lunchtime kick-off at New Douglas Park.
"I don't think so because I don't feel as though we have the proper focus in terms of our domestic games," he said.
"That's something we have to adjust to first and foremost.
"I'll probably speak to Sir Alex but we've both got tough away games this weekend so we'll let those games be over before we start to think about the Champions League."
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