Newcastle kid Lucas de Bolle is set to come into Hamilton Accies’ squad for the first time since joining on loan.
The 19-year-old is on a deal until the end of the season, but suffered a concussion in his final game down south.
His return to play protocol means he can join in training this morning for the first time, while fellow midfielder Miko Virtanen is back in light training.
Boss John Rankin says that’s two of seven who are currently in the treatment room, but Regan Thomson is still a bit behind.
Ahead of the visit by Queen’s Park on Saturday, Rankin said: “With regards to getting bodies back, there’s not really anybody on the pitch yet that has come out of the treatment room.
“There are seven out.
“We did see Miko running with the group yesterday and that’s a huge plus for us to get somebody like that back and being in and about the squad.
“It’s a new face, a new voice, and it’s a case of building him up.
“Lewis Spence is out long-term, we know that, but getting players like Miko, Marley Redfern, Andy Ryan, Lucas and Regan Thomson back, it will certainly make a big difference.
“Regan Thomson is not training, the closest one is Miko. Regan had a wee set-back last week, I think it was, and Lucas will join us this morning for the first time.
“His return to play protocol allows him to come in. His vision is clear so he is able to join us this morning for his first training session.
“We know he’s not going to be sharper, he’s not trained for the last three weeks, but that’s a boost having one back in training.
“Out of seven we’ll have Miko joining in without the ball, and Lucas joining in the session.
“We’re getting numbers back, we’re hoping to get them back as soon as possible and make a difference.
“It’s just a case of managing the rest and making sure we don’t pick any more up.”
Hamilton drew 1-1 with Queen’s Park in the Premier Sports Cup before taking the extra point via 5-3 shoot-out win.
Rankin knows what to expect, but hopes for three points.
He said: “We’ve watched them a few times and obviously played against them in the League Cup, which was an interesting game, to say the least.
“They’ve got good players, they’ve got a good side – Owen Coyle has been about for years, so it will be a tough challenge at the weekend.
“They’re a good attacking threat, I’ve played with Simon Murray myself [at Dundee United] so I know how clinical he can be in front of goal and how much of a problem he causes defences.
“It will be an interesting game and one we’re looking forward to. We come off the back of a good home result, which feels like a long time ago, now, with no game last weekend.
“But we have to go and build on that.”
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