McClenahan represented Australia at the Olympic Games

Hamilton Accies have signed 23-year-old former West Ham full-back Trent McClenahan on a free transfer.

The Australia international, a member of his country's Beijing Olympics squad, has joined Accies until the end of the season.

He was most recently at Hereford but opted not to extend his contract with the League One club this summer.

McClenahan came through the youth ranks at Upton Park and had loan spells with MK Dons before two years with Hereford.

Meanwhile, Accies manager Billy Reid has no concerns about his potential stars being courted by bigger clubs - insisting that such attention means he is doing his own job properly.

James McCarthy has already attracted interest from both sides of the border, with Celtic, Rangers, Chelsea and Liverpool reported to be among the 17-year-old's admirers.

James McArthur is a fantastic player and he is a manager's dream to work with Hamilton manager Billy Reid

The latest youngster to thrust himself into the spotlight is James McArthur, who was voted the Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Month for August following an impressive start to his maiden season in the top flight.

But Reid insisted: "It's not a worry at all. It means the club is bringing through young players and that I'm doing my job right.

"The players here are on three-year deals, but we know a time will come when so-called bigger things are offered to the players.

"But, at the moment, this is the best place for them.

"They are not getting ahead of themselves and they are progressing and enjoying themselves here.

"James McArthur is a fantastic player and he is a manager's dream to work with.

"He might not be the best player on the park every week, but he gives 100% every time and his level of consistency is incredible.

"He is only 20, he is still maturing and, if he listens and learns, he will mature into a top-class player."