Hamilton boss Billy Reid believes the return of skipper Alex Neil for the trip to St Johnstone on Tuesday night will give his side an added boost in their bid to beat the drop.
The 29-year-old midfielder's season has been blighted by injury but in recent weeks following his return to fitness he has helped Accies pile the pressure on second-bottom St Mirren.
Neil, who signed a new three-year deal on Thursday, missed Saturday's 1-0 win over 10-man Hibernian at New Douglas Park through suspension, cheering from the stand as Nigel Hasselbaink's first-half strike gave the Lanarkshire side their first home SPL win of the season. The nervy victory took Accies to within three points of the Buddies with two games remaining, albeit the Paisley side are eight goals better off.
Reid said: "We are playing with a bit of confidence again but at times we missed our captain, Alex Neil, to put his foot on the ball. He has been a big influence and he will lead us out on Tuesday evening.
"It will be a difficult game because Perth is never the easiest place for anyone to go to. But we know what we have to do and we will be up to the task. We were quite a bit behind but we are now on a wee run where we are picking up points and it's also two clean sheets on the bounce.
"We have to take a bit of credit for what we have come through in the last few weeks, it has shown a bit of character. It was an exciting day for the fans. It was our first home win of the season, quite incredibly, and I think they really enjoyed it."
Source: PA
