Reid holds out hope for McLaughlin

Hamilton Accies manager Billy Reid is hoping to have the experience of Mark McLaughlin available to his side as they take on a Ross County side that are looking to move into the third round of the Scottish Communities League Cup to make up for a recent 5-1 defeat at the hands of the New Douglas Park side.

McLaughlin was sent home by the club after taking ill last Thursday and that kept him out of Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Partick Thistle. Reid said: “No disrespect to Lee Kilday who came in and did a great job, I would like to send out an experienced side out in an important cup tie.”

Ross County striker Steven Craig is pushing hard for a starting place against Accies after coming off the bench to net both goals in their 2-0 win over Queen of the South at the weekend. Stuart Kettlewell misses out after being sent off against Queen of the South at the weekend, but Russell Duncan, along with Iain Vigurs, could return after thigh injuries.