Shaun Want says he has no qualms about Accies turning to their youth players this season.
The 25-year-old grew up around the club’s academy before breaking into the first team in 2016 at the age of 19, so he knows what it takes to make the step up from promising teen to regular starter.
And with the purse strings tightened at New Douglas Park this season ahead of a second season in the Championship, it has been made clear by chief executive Colin McGowan that the club will need to rely on their production line more than ever this term.
In their recent friendlies with Larkhall Thistle and Newmains United Accies even fielded 15-year-olds Gabriel Forsyth, Lewis Latona and Ryan One, although they can't play competitively for the first team until they turn 16.
But Want believes the youngsters coming through - which includes the likes of Chris McGinn, Adam McGowan and Sam Nicolson who all got their first senior experiences last season - can make an impact.
He said: “It could be a big season for some of them and it will be important to keep pushing on and breakthrough.
“When they get there they need to try and cement it, but they are all eager and keen to learn.
“Everybody knows the youth setup at Hamilton is good and I’ve come through it myself. I understand what it is like.
“We’ve got George Cairns there as well who works with all the youth boys and he makes sure that if they are selected to play, they will be ready and not being flung in at the deep end.
“I can tell by training with them every day there is a lot of talent there – and they are hard working, that’s for sure.
“The future is bright for the young boys.”
Accies are in action this afternoon when they host League One Queen of the South in a friendly, kick-off 3pm.
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