Darian MacKinnon has told his Hamilton team-mates to show their battling qualities as they bid to drag themselves away from the relegation zone.
Having suffered a 5-0 defeat at Kilmarnock last weekend, MacKinnon wants more of an in-your-face style of play between now and the end of the season, and says that will allow Hamilton’s quality to shine through.
The midfielder is well aware of the looming crunch clash with St Mirren on Saturday, but refused to look any further ahead than Livingston away last night (Wednesday). However, he said Accies need to get back to the snarling style that has been so emblematic of their play in recent seasons.
He said: “What we’ve been renowned for for years, is being a hard-working team, fighting, and that’s what was missing against Kilmarnock.
“We need to scrap for everything. The gaffer stresses to us before a game that if you work hard and match their energy your quality comes through. I don’t think we did that on Saturday, so you don’t give yourself a chance.”
Daz was left fuming at Rugby Park and wanted a response in the game at Livi – only then would he allow himself to look at St Mirren. He said: “It is the biggest game of the season, there’s no getting away from that, but we can’t look too far ahead after that performance on Saturday.
“The goals we conceded were rubbish and it’s not the sort of performance we were looking for, especially after the win against Hearts.
“The gaffer needs a response, we’ve let him down badly. He has been good since he came in and we let him down.
“But you just need to bounce back. These are going to be tough games, but we’re looking forward to them.
“It’s important to go into the split with some points, but we just need to take care of Wednesday, then St Mirren will get our full focus.”
