Hamilton Accies boss says Oli Shaw wasn't worth the risk against Livingston

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin revealed playing star striker Oli Shaw against Livingston wasn't worth the risk after the Championship's top scorer missed Saturday's 3-1 defeat through injury.

Shaw has netted seven times in 12 league games for Accies this season and was sorely missed as Livingston took all three points.

But Rankin says he won't use that as an excuse and said he would rather the hitman missed a game or two, than being sidelined for an extended spell.

He said: "Oli felt a wee twinge through the week. As explosive a player as he is for us, we gave him every opportunity to play but he could still feel it.

"It was only a minor one but is it worth the risk of playing Oli? If he tweaks it or pulls it, we could lose him for two or three months so it wasn't worth the risk.

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"We've got seven players out at the moment, but I've never moaned about it and I'm not going to moan about.

"We need to compete. We are in a much better position in terms of squad than what we were two seasons ago in the Championship.

"Players can come in and take someone's place and then it becomes a case of can they keep they jersey.

"Yes, we've lost the top goalscorer in the league, but so be it.

"We need to make the most of what we have and the guys who've come need to go and do what they can to stay in the team.

"Hopefully Oli isn't out for too long."