Hamilton hand Lyle lifeline

Reid: Handed Lyle lifeline

Hamilton manager Billy Reid has given injury-affected Derek Lyle six months to prove his fitness.

Lyle has been sidelined for almost a year after suffering a cruciate ligament problem but Reid has thrown the striker a lifeline by handing him a new deal.

The half-year window will give the 29-year-old chance to fully recover and show he can regain full fitness following his return to training.

Lyle has still to complete 90 minutes for the Accies during their pre-season campaign after being laid low in a match against Falkirk last September.

Reid told the Daily Record: "Derek is doing fine. He wants to be the player he was before the injury when he was flying for us.

"But we're really happy with his progress. We've given him a contract until January and that will give him a bit more time to get himself going again."

Done and dusted

Meanwhile, Reid will see his ranks boosted when he completes the signing of a new midfielder this week following an injury to Alex Neil.

Neil has undergone hip surgery and will be missing from his side's first five games of the season, leaving his manager with a void to fill.

But Reid is confident of recruiting a replacement, adding: "We are confident of getting something signed this week but until it's done and dusted I won't be saying more than that.

"Alex will miss the first five games of the season. It's a big blow for us especially after we lose James McArthur and James Wesolowski."