Reid's squad was stretched for the trip to Ibrox

Hamilton manager Billy Reid paid tribute to his young players despite their 4-0 loss to Rangers at Ibrox.

Michael Devlin, 17, and 18-year-old Lee Kilday started in a makeshift defence, with Grant Gillespie Ali Crawford, both 19, featuring in midfield.

"There were maybe six or seven players from our youth system who played today at some stage," said Reid, who was without seven first-team regulars.

"It's the way this club has to go. It's the way forward for Scottish football."

Accies were on the back foot for most of the match and especially in the first half when they conceded three goals, with Vladimir Weiss scoring twice and winning a penalty for Rangers, tucked away by Steven Whittaker.

But Reid described watching his young players compete against Rangers as "pleasing".

"These young players have to be nurtured in the right way and this club will give them time," he told BBC Scotland.

"To have 17- and 18-year-old defenders making their debuts, it was a great experience for them. They didn't disgrace themselves.

"Lee Kilday stuck at it. We took him off after an hour, he was tiring badly. All credit to him.

"And wee Ali Crawford in the middle of the park showed some great touches."

The Accies are at the foot of the Scottish Premier League table but are only four points off St Mirren and Hibernian and have a game in hand.

"It's been a difficult week for us," said Reid.

"We've had three games in seven days; Celtic on the Wednesday and Rangers. We had seven first-team regular starters not playing and that has stretched this club to the limit.

"Rangers are worthy winners but we have not disgraced ourselves.

"We kept on to the end when we had our best chance - Flavio Paixao's overhead kick.

"Allan McGregor showed what a good goalkeeper he is. He had nothing to do in the whole game and pulled off a sensational save."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version