Hamilton head coach Stuart Taylor says his squad are reaping the rewards of an improvement in their strength and conditioning work.
Accies have dealt with a multitude of injury problems in the last 12 months, but with Andy Ryan back in training ahead of Friday's Championship match with Inverness, they are down to just one injury.
It means Taylor almost has a full compliment of players to pick from and a big part of that is down to how they are preparing themselves.
Behind the scenes work has gone on at New Douglas Park to ensure player fitness. Taylor's men are in for longer hours, but the boss reckons the best is yet to come despite improvements.
He explained: "I think it's credit to the staff. We have brought in the strength and conditioning programme and prehab work. There's a lot of work getting done behind the scenes that doesn't get noticed.
"At times like this, you look around and realise you only have two injuries. One is back training and the other still has a couple of weeks.
"It is working, but it will also still take a long time for us to see the real signs of improvement with the strength and condition stuff.
"We can see a little upturn though and it's great to see. But it's credit to the players. We have thrown extra hours their way. We have increased their workload considerably.
"The players have been great in that sense that they have bought into it. They've been really receptive to it and if you don't buy into it, you don't get the rewards.
"We have a great bunch of professionals who have been excellent. We aren't there yet in terms of being the best we can be, but we will continue to improve."
Hamilton have just one defeat in seven Championship matches ahead of taking on Inverness on Friday, as Taylor's side begin to fully take on what he is asking of them.
Desire and drive have been key factors which have pleased the New Douglas Park manager. Accies are seventh in the table.
Taylor said: "We are looking for progression. I asked the supporters when I came in to be understanding. We have a way we want to go about our work.
"It's not going to be an overnight fix. We've had good moments and moments we don't want to talk about. But it's all part of us getting better.
"As much as they have bought into it, it's the way they have applied themselves on that journey. Every game they have gone into has been about going to win the game. It's always been 100% commitment."
Inverness are a team Hamilton have already defeated twice this term but an tough encounter is expected.
Taylor added: "It will be a really difficult game. We have had two good performances and results against them but we have to have that motivation to continue the form we're on."
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