Brian Rice says his instincts told him to hand Reading loanee Luke Southwood a Hamilton swansong.
The Accies boss fielded the 21-year-old against Rangers at the weekend, the first time he’s appeared for the South Lanarkshire club. He moved there on loan from Reading during the summer.
Reading loanee Southwood was handed a Hamilton debut. (Photo by Robert Cianflone – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Southwood replaced Owain Fon Willaims for the Gers clash and Rice was pleased with how the young stopper did.
Speaking before the game about Southwood (BT Sport 1, 12:04, 24/11/19), Rice said: “He’s played well in the Reserves and I had a gut feeling to make a change and that’s what we’ve done. It’s a great opportunity for the lad.”
Reviewing Southwood’s performance (BT Sport 1, 14:04, 24/11/19), Rice added: “He did fantastically well, he’ll remember that for the rest of his life, making his debut for Hamilton Accies against Rangers.”
Southwood did well on his Hamilton debut
It was a tough test for the young keeper as his adopted side lost 3-1 to Rangers. An early goal from Ryan Jack had the visitors in front before Lewis Smith hit back for Accies.
Southwood won the U20s World Cup with England. (Photo by Alex Morton – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
A Ryan Kent double though sealed all three points for Hamilton. Southwood’s performance though is one positive Rice can take from the match.
The keeper pulled off some smart saves during the game and showed decent distribution skills throughout the match. He more than held his own against strong competitors.
He’ll be hoping to keep his position for the upcoming clash against Livingston, who Accies could leapfrog in the table with a win.