Hamilton v Stirling Albion: Accies boss hints at Kevin O'Hara reprieve for big clash

Boss John Rankin has dropped a big hint he will start Kevin O’Hara in Saturday’s clash with Stirling Albion, as Hamilton Accies look to bounce back from losing their unbeaten start to the season last week.

A narrow 1-0 loss at Cove Rangers halted a run of 18 games unbeaten for Rankin in all competitions – and saw them fall further behind leaders Falkirk at the top of League One.

Forward O’Hara has been dropped for the last two games but Rankin has suggested the 25-year-old is set for a reprieve against the Binos, a side he missed a last-minute penalty against when the sides drew 2-2 at Forthbank in September.

Asked about his decision to leave O’Hara out, Rankin said: “I felt Kev just needed to be taken out of the firing line for a wee bit and I spoke to him about that.

“The work that he puts in is astronomical. The numbers he does for us are important to the way we want to play, but sometimes you can just get a mental blank when you are through on goal.

“I know the finishes that Kev can produce and what he has in his locker, and sometimes it is just about trying to freshen yourself up to go back in. A wee bit of time out lets you get that freshness back within your mindset and your thinking process.

“It also makes you hungrier.

“Kev has been brilliant. He obviously hasn’t started the last two games, but I thought he came on on Saturday and effected the game with his selfless running and getting into areas where we felt we could exploit Cove.

“The different relationships are growing and players are starting to know how each other play. Obviously, we need to change things depending on the opposition we play and which areas we want to try and exploit.

“The good thing for us is we do have plenty of competition.

“I feel