Reid plays down Hamilton form ahead of Falkirk tie

Accies have picked up only two points from their last five Irn-Bru First Division games while the Bairns have won three consecutive matches.

Reid admits they have been “terrible” during spells of recent games while playing well at other times, but he believes the importance of the occasion will take over with a semi-final place to play for at New Douglas Park.

Reid said: “Our recent form hasn’t been great considering the run we were on. Falkirk’s form has been really good but it doesn’t worry me, it’s all about getting the result on Saturday. It doesn’t matter how we play on Saturday, as long as we make sure we are in the next round of the cup. And if we could achieve that it would be a great occasion for us.”

Hamilton have not been in the last four since their run to the final in 1935, when they lost to Rangers. And Reid has his third attempt to get past the quarter-finals following defeats by Dundee in 2006 and Rangers three years later. “This is a home tie against a First Division club – I don’t think we will get a better chance than this,” he said.

“We have avoided SPL opposition but Falkirk will be every bit as good as some of the Premier League teams, that I guarantee.

“I’m sure whoever can come through from Hamilton-Falkirk, if they can stay away from the big fish Celtic, then they will fancy their chances in the semi-final as well.” Both clubs have been renowned for bringing through young talent in recent years and Falkirk boss Steven Pressley feels the quarter-final is an excellent showcase. “I’m sure both sides will be desperate to progress, but you will see a game that is filled with good young Scottish players and that in itself is exciting,” Pressley said.