Hamilton Accies boss Brian Rice isn't a fan of split ahead of five crucial games

Brian Rice is prepared for five cup-finals that will determine whether Hamilton will preserve their top-flight status.

Accies sit bottom of the Premiership table ahead of the post-split fixtures but remain just two points from safety.

Kilmarnock are just one point ahead of Accies in the play-off place with Ross County two points ahead in tenth.

Brian Rice's sole focus is on Hamilton's clash against Dundee United (SNS Group)

Hamilton’s two main relegation rivals clash this weekend but boss Rice is focusing all of his attention on Accies’ game against Dundee United.

“I just wait until after the game {to check other results} because you’ve got to keep your focus solely on your own team.

“You can’t control what is happening elsewhere and I don’t like to be distracted by knowing what’s going on elsewhere - I’m only focused on Hamilton.

“Every game is massively important, there are five games to go and 15 points to play for. We know just how important every match is.

“They are going to be tight games because we all have a lot to play for.

Hamilton played out a goalless draw in their last clash against Dundee United (SNS Group)

“Dundee United will still want to finish the season on a high and it’s been close encounters between us this season.

“It was a 1-1 draw earlier in the season and we lost 2-1 up in Dundee but we missed a late penalty so I don’t expect it to be any different,” Rice said.

Hamilton face three home matches and two away games in their final five fixtures this season.

But in the absence of supporters, Rice feels there is no home advantage.

He said: "People only talk about our home form because we have a plastic pitch but I don’t put any emphasis on it this season.

“There are no crowds in so there is no advantage from playing home at this moment of time.

Accies boss Rice feels home advantage has been lost this season (SNS Group)

“When the crowds are in then there is a slight advantage, especially with the bigger clubs, but now it’s just an even game, home or away.”

The controversial split format brings added drama to the end of the season but Rice isn’t a fan.

He said: “I don’t think anybody enjoys the split. I’ve never liked it since it was first introduced but it’s not anything we can do something about.

“You know when you go into these games that they all mean something, they mean a hell of a lot.

“There is pressure on three teams just now, possibly four.”

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