Hamilton hero Mihai Popescu says Accies must be aiming for the promotion play-offs in the Championship after netting his first goal for the club with an acrobatic finish.
The Romanian defender bagged the equaliser in Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Partick Thistle, turning home fellow scorer Andy Ryan's cross with a bicycle kick inside the box.
It kept Accies sixth in the table and 11 points off the promotion spots in the top four, but Popescu reckons teams shouldn't be writing Accies off with the team currently on a run of three wins and two draws in their last six outings.
Asked what the aim is for Accies this season, Popescu said: “Possibly in the top four and then we will see who we might get in the play-off.
"But we have a lot of work to do. There are many games ahead of us, so we need to be prepared for what comes next.
“We have to to look forward and up the league. We need to keep winning games, winning points and why not go up to the Championship?”
Accies twice came from behind to hold Partick and Popescu's maiden strike for the club was a welcome one.
The 28-year-old has seen countless efforts blocked and clear off the line this season, as he's made a nuisance of himself at set-pieces.
But he was pleased to get a goal with his most difficult opportunity yet.
He added: “Finally, I get a goal. I’m happy to score here because I don’t know how many chances I’ve had.
"It was about time I scored a goal here and I’m happy to help the team get a point.
“That was probably the most difficult chance I’ve had. I was there, I got the chance, and I got the goal.
“It was a fair result. Both teams had really good chances and we played well. We maybe deserved three points and we created a lot, but unfortunately we didn’t take our chances.”
Accies boss Stuart Taylor was also delighted for his defender, adding: "It was absolutely brilliant [the finish].
"Pops has been a real presence at set-pieces and if he was sitting at six goals right now, nobody would be surprised because he seems to find a way of getting on the end of corners and free-kicks.
"So it was nice that he picked up that second ball.
"It was a good finish, it wasn't a tap in and all credit to him.
"Taking the goal aside, his defensive qualities have been brilliant and he's added a real leadership to the team.
"He's shown that strength at the back."
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