Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin has confirmed that Dylan McGowan is facing time on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder.

The Australian defender landed awkwardly while chasing a high ball during the 2-1 Scottish Cup third round win at Banks O’Dee on Saturday.

Rankin doesn’t yet know how long McGowan will be out for, but says the player is determined to get back quickly.

He said: “Dylan has dislocated his shoulder. He’s gone up with the attacker, who has caught him in the air, he’s fell awkwardly on his arm, and his shoulder has popped out.

“He was in a bit of pain. The bone from his shoulder was half-way down his arm, his arm was obviously longer than the other one, so he had to go to hospital to get it put back in.

“Dylan hasn’t broken anything, that’s the important part. We don’t know how long he will be out for. We’re going to speak to the specialist and see what they’re thinking.

“Dylan is quite determined that it won’t be too long. He’s already broken his leg this season and dislocated his shoulder, so it hasn’t been ideal on the injury front.

“But he remains a leader, and it’s a case of what influence can he have now when he’s off the park.”

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McGowan was taken off in 41 minutes to be replaced by Kyle MacDonald, and Rankin is delighted to have him back.

He said: “Having someone like him, who is able to play in a number of different positions, and do it quite comfortably, is massive for the squad.

“Kyle was hugely influential last season in getting us promoted, he was out for three months with a fractured skull and broke his foot this season, but the type of pro Macca is, he’s fit and ready to go.

“I’m delighted that we’ve got him back in the fold and Barry Maguire being back also makes a huge difference.”

Accies have been drawn at home to East of Scotland Premier Division side Musselburgh in the fourth round, likely to be on January 18.

Rankin said: “I was looking for someone we hadn’t played this season, one that would make it a bit different for us, and that does it.

“It brings its own challenges. In the last round we saw how difficult it was going to an away ground, and I’m sure Musselburgh will see it as an opportunity to test themselves against a full-time team.

“All you want is a home tie.”

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