Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin reckons he needs “two or three” players to strengthen his squad ahead of their Championship kick-off at home to Morton on July 30.
Rankin says it’s important that players know they’re valued, but are also kept on their toes.
And he says competition for places must be high if Hamilton are to succeed this season.
Accies have this week brought in 20-year-old attacking midfielder Jonny Ngunda and full-back Michael Doyle.
While Rankin wouldn’t be drawn on what his top priority is, the head coach says he’s looking for a few reinforcements.
Rankin said: “I think we need two or three. The chairman, Allan Maitland, has been working hard to try and help us with that.
“I’ve got a few priorities, and I don’t really want to divulge too much into that, but I’ve got a few positions that I think we need to strengthen in, and that will help the players.
“Not that the players here are going to move on, or move out of the starting XI or the team – I just think they need pushed.
“If they see somebody else coming in to push them, we’ll get more out of them, you get better out of them.
“I know myself, as a player, that when someone comes in you’ve got your back up a wee bit, because you wanted to prove that you were better than them.
“Having that competition for places can only drive the dressing room even further.”
Rankin has been pleased to bring in former Coventry City youth Ngandu, and ex-Queen of the South and Queen’s Park defender Doyle, who started his young career at New Douglas Park.
He said: “Jonny has been a great addition to the squad, and he’s done really well in pre-season.
“He’s worked hard, he’s caught the eye. He’s a wee bit different, he’s inventive in the final third, which is great.
“You’ve got Michael Doyle; Michael needs no introduction, everybody knows what he’s good at.
“He’s infectious, his attitude is great, and he’s up and down the pitch all day.
“He is a good defender, he’s experienced. That can help the young boys we’re trying to implement and bring into the first-team.
“They are two signings that will make our squad stronger.
“But we have to look at making it stronger again, rather than just bringing in a number.”
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