Old Firm exposure a big reason behind Remi Matthews switch

New Hamilton keeper Remi Matthews is looking forward to the increased exposure that comes with playing against the Old Firm.
By The Newsroom
Published 22nd Jul 2016, 17:03 BST
Updated 22nd Jul 2016, 18:07 BST

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New signing Remi Matthews moved up from Norwich. Picture: SNSNew signing Remi Matthews moved up from Norwich. Picture: SNS
New signing Remi Matthews moved up from Norwich. Picture: SNS

The 22-year-old Englishman signed a new two-year deal at Norwich before moving to New Douglas Park on a season-long loan and made his debut in the 2-1 Betfred Cup defeat to Ayr United last week.

Matthews - a replacement for Michael McGovern, who joined the Canaries who are managed by former Accies boss Alex Neil - has had loan spells at Burton Albion and Doncaster Rovers.

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He views the prospect of playing against the likes of Rangers and Celtic as beneficial to the next stage of his development and is determined to make an impact.

Ahead of the home Betfred Cup tie against St Mirren on Saturday, Matthews said: “Obviously I want to play games and playing against the likes of Rangers and Celtic in front of 40,000 and 50,000 people and on television is one reason why I have come here and taken this step.

“I went to Burton last year and played, went to Doncaster last year and played a few games so I want to carry that on and play as many games as possible.

“The gaffer (Neil) sat me down early doors in pre-season and spoke to me and said I need to play games.

“Obviously I played in League One last season so I thought I would come here and test myself and I think it will be a bigger test for me.”

Matthews has had to get quickly acquainted with the artificial surface at New Douglas Park.

He said: “I am getting used to the 3G and 4G pitches. I am used to playing on grass every day back home.

“It can be (different) but no excuses, I am here to play games and hopefully stay in the league.”

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Former Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati goes into the squad after signing a one-year deal this week but player-manager Martin Canning has a fractured cheekbone and is one of several absentees.

Defender Jesus Garcia is out with a knee injury, Eamonn Brophy is struggling with his ankle while Darren Lyon and Gramoz Kurtaj are still catching up on their team-mates for fitness following earlier injuries.

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Related topics:EnglishmanOld FirmAlex Neil