Hamill hails old boss for not rushing him back to action

Published on Monday 11 August 2008 10:53

JOE HAMILL today revealed his delight at not only ending his near 12-month injury nightmare but also at the prospect of having to battle for his place in a rebuilt Livingston team.

The midfielder is still looking for sharpness after recovering from a serious knee injury which wrecked almost the whole of last season for him, but has been a solid performer under new coach Roberto Landi.

And today he thanked former boss Mark Proctor for making sure he did not wreck his rehabilitation by rushing him back into the squad as the Lions fought a winning battle against relegation last term.

Hamill said: "Mark Proctor was good and protected me. I had a few meetings with him, pleading to get back, but he said he knew too many players who had caused further injury by rushing back. He said it was important to be patient and now I am grateful."

Hamill has also welcomed the arrival of competition in fellow midfielders Rocco Quinn and Fernando Giarrizo, who signed over the weekend. He added: "It is important that we get experience and a bit of competition in the squad."

Hamill could have opened the scoring in the Lions' 2-0 victory over Ross County, but sent a 20-yard volley wide in the opening minutes. A finely-worked goal from Leigh Griffiths after 11 minutes and a Jason Talbot strike after the break gave Livingston victory as referee John McKendrick booked six County players and sent off two more including former Lions striker Steven Craig for an apparent elbow on defender Chris Innes.