Defender on comeback trail

Mark McLaughlin is closing in on a first-team return for Hamilton after playing for the Accies reserves on Wednesday.

Although the Hamilton second string went down 4-1 to St Mirren, Billy Reid was handed a major boost with the return of the centre-back, who has not played a first-team game since damaging ligaments in the 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock on August 23.

Meanwhile, trialist Brian Kerr got another run-out in the reserves as he looks to prove to the Hamilton boss that he is worth a permanent contract.

The 26-year-old midfielder was released by Hibs in the summer and played for around an hour in Wednesday's match.