Hamilton Accies players give me everything and will put bodies on the line for promotion, says boss John Rankin

Boss John Rankin says whatever happens in the Championship play-off final with Inverness next week, his Hamilton Accies side have given him everything and they will put their bodies on the line to get promotion.

The New Douglas Park side had to come from behind in both legs of their semi-final with Alloa this week, rallying from 2-1 down in the first leg to draw 2-2 and then trailing 1-0 in the second leg to prevail 3-2 on the day and 5-4 on aggregate. And all that came amid the likes of Lewis Smith, Akheem Rose and Scott Martin playing through injury or not being fully fit.

After a regular season where invincible Falkirk cruised to the title, Accies have been left with a job on their hands to seal an immediate return to the Championship.

But now just two clashes with Inverness Caley Thistle on Wednesday and Saturday stand between them and Rankin said: "The turnaround is quick so we need good pros and good players. I thoroughly believe the dressing room is good and vibrant.

"It is frantic time of the season. We'd much rather have won the league of course, but I'd much rather be sitting here in the final than have nothing to play for.

"We come to our work each day and are happy at our work. Do we do it well every day or play with a lot of quality every day? No, but we work our stones off every single day and we can look each other in the eye, knowing we have given one another 100 per cent.

"Over the piece of the last two legs, we have caused our own problems. But winning games breeds confidence and getting people back on the pitch does that as well.

"[Club captain] Scotty Martin is important to us. He hasn't played 90 minutes yet but this extra day between Saturday and Wednesday, instead of Tuesday, will certainly help him and the adrenaline will get him through.

"There is a great togetherness here and I could see it at 1-0. Not for one minute did we get frustrated or anxious, we just continued to do what we do, and I am delighted for the players.

"They gave us everything and we will be throwing bodies in front of the ball on Wednesday night and Saturday as well."

Wednesday's first leg at New Douglas Park is a 8.05pm kick-off, with the game being shown live on BBC ALBA.

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