John Rankin says he is ‘hopeful’ of adding fresh faces to the Hamilton Accies squad this week after the boost of securing Connor Smith and Stuart McKinstry on permanent deals.
The midfield duo put pen to paper on new contracts after McKinstry had penned a short-term deal in October and Smith had come in on loan from Premiership side St Johnstone. McKinstry is signed until the end of the 2025/26 season, while Smith has committed until the end of the 2026/27 campaign.
But Rankin isn’t stopping there with his January business and believes at least one new recruit could be in the building over the coming days.
He said: “I am hopeful to get one or two in this week but it will depend on who we can move out.
“We are trying hard on that at both ends. With the injuries this season, it is not too difficult to work out where we are trying to strengthen.
“We’ve spoken to a number of players in different areas. I’ve spoken to one this week that I am hopeful of and I am hopeful we can get that over the line this week.
“If it does, I would be absolutely delighted with this player.”
Meanwhile, Rankin is delighted with the form of defender Stephen Hendrie after he grabbed his first goal for the club in yesterday’s 3-1 win over Musselburgh in the Scottish Cup fourth round.
Hendrie rifled home an unstoppable opener from the edge of the box in the clash and Rankin said: “It is his first goal for the club. He’s had a great season in my opinion. He came in over the summer and got himself fit again. He’s had a run of games recently and he has been a constant 7 or 8 out of 10.
“He’s really motoring and I’m really pleased with how his season is going.”