Rangers clash postponement frustrates Hamilton boss but it 'allows injured duo recovery time'

John Rankin is frustrated to see Hamilton's SPFL Trust Trophy clash with Rangers B postponed this weekend, but admits it will allow some key players to return for the Championship trip visit of Dundee on October 1.

International call-ups among both squads have ensured the third round tie, which was due to be played on Saturday at Dumbarton Stadium, has been shifted to the night of Tuesday, November 8.

The Accies boss would rather have got the game played but admits with winger Dario Zanatta and midfield general Scott Martin both struggling with back injuries following Saturday's 2-0 league defeat to Queen's Park, the enforced break will provide much-needed recovery time.

Rankin said: "These cup games are part of the fixtures for us at the start of the season and when we find out we can't get the game on it is frustrating, but I totally understand why.

"Rangers have got players on international duty and so do we with Lucas de Bolle and Chrissy McGinn both away for us.

"Albeit, I would have liked to try and play the game, especially with how the game went on Saturday to try and bounce back from that defeat. If we'd won the game I'd still have wanted to play this weekend as well to keep the momentum going.

"But it is a chance for some players who are nursing knocks to try and get through this week.

"Dario had to come off due to a knock to his back so this gives him a bit of time to overcome that for the Dundee game.

"Likewise Scotty Martin. We didn't think he was going to play on Saturday morning because he was struggling with his back and I don't know how managed to get through the game the way he did.

"But that speaks volumes for Scotty as a guy and a player.

"There was a lot of disappointing things on Saturday but one of