Hamilton Accies have announced two new signings ahead of their Championship clash with Ayr United this afternoon.
The club have been chasing a number of targets and boss John Rankin had spoken this week of his frustration in the January window so far, missing out a couple of signings in the past week.
However, the New Douglas Park boss has made a double swoop to land two loan deals and boost their Championship survival bid.
Kilmarnock defender Dylan McGowan has signed up until the end of the season and, interestingly, skippers the side for today's clash at Somerset Park.
The 31-year-old Australian has also played for Hearts and East Fife during his career.
He is joined alongside Stoke City stopper Tom Sparrow, who has made three first team appearances for The Potters. The 20-year-old also goes straight into the starting line-up today.
Acccies posted the news on their Twitter page just over an hour ahead of kick-off.
A statement by Stoke City read: "Tom Sparrow has completed a loan move to Scottish Championship side Hamilton Academical.
"The 19-year-old will spend the second half of the season with John Rankin’s outfit, who face Ayr United this afternoon.
"The versatile player made his debut for the Potters on the final day of last season before adding a further three appearances to his name at the start of the current campaign.
"Everyone at Stoke City wishes Tom the best of luck during his time in Scotland."
Accies are currently six points adrift at the bottom of the Championship, with a game in hand over nearest rivals Arbroath.
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