Reid's praise for Gannon before derby

HAMILTON manager Billy Reid has put Lanarkshire rivalry to one side to applaud the job Jim Gannon has done at Motherwell this season.

Gannon brings his young side to New Douglas Park today having confounded expectations they would struggle this term. With just one Clydesdale Bank Premier League defeat and an unbeaten record away from home, Motherwell lie fourth in the table with more than a quarter of the season gone.

Reid said: "Some of the results they've had have been incredible, for me. I've seen them once or twice and they've done okay, but they seem to have the ability to win matches and pick up points, and it's all credit to what Jim Gannon's done at the club. He's given two or three of the younger players an opportunity to come in and play, and they've repaid him with some fantastic performances and results."

Motherwell left-back Steven Hammell will miss the Lanarkshire derby as he is still nursing a hamstring strain and will be given the international break to recover.

Paul Slane (calf) is still missing but Motherwell have no fresh injuries.