Hamilton boss John Rankin reckons his players will be itching to play alongside Lucas de Bolle after the Newcastle United loanee made an impressive first start for the club in their SPFL Trust Trophy triumph over Inverness.
The 20-year joined Accies on September 1 but has been plagued by concussion issues that had already delayed his deadline day arrival at New Douglas Park.
A substitute appearance on September 17 saw him make his debut in a 2-0 defeat to Queen's Park but his issues cropped up again, including blurred vision, and only today did he make his second outing.
But he showed flashes of the what he can bring to an Accies side struggling at the bottom of the Scottish Championship when his run and cross led to Inverness defender Sam Nixon turning the ball into his own net for the opening goal in the third minute, before Reegan Minaugh's strike after 33 minutes secured their spot in the quarter-finals.
And Rankin was waxing lyrical about the 20-year-old after his surprise inclusion, having only just joined back with Accies in midweek following lengthy rehab at his parent club.
Rankin beamed: "Lucas came into train on Tuesday and it was a case of being patient with him, allowing him to feel comfortable in this environment and feel good on the pitch again.
"He moves well, he glides, I like they way he moves and that is why we brought him here in the first place.
"The kid can play.
"I didn't want to put too much pressure on him by building things up this week, as I thought there would be a chance he'd come through.
"Sure enough, he trained again yesterday and I thought 'your time is now'.
"The first goal he has a hand in, he makes some good runs, some good passes. He played with a smile on his face and I was delighted he was on the pitch.
"He'll tell you how frustrating it's been for him and it has been frustrating for the players as well because they see the ability he has.
"And I know there's players in the dressing room today watching that game and thinking ' I can't wait to play with him.'
"If it was me, I'd be thinking: 'I want to play with that guy.'
Asked if he would be treading carefully with him now after his injury woes, Rankin added: "I think we'll be wrapping him in cotton wool and bubble wrap!
"I like the kid, I like the way he goes about his business. He's got that bit of arrogance you need to be a top player.
"We need to give him an opportunity and platform to progress. I like seeing young players progress and play with a freedom.
"He brings that wee bit of quality to our team that we don't have.
"I think what he will do is bring us that bit of quality that can unlock defences.
"He is 20 years old and he will make mistakes, but I'm absolutely delighted for him to get his first start for the club."
It was a very comfortable afternoon for Accies as they did a professional job against an Inverness side who didn't have their injury problems to seek.
The club announced in midweek they would be sending a youth side for the tie, given their well-documented injury issues in recent weeks.
But Rankin was pleased with the way his side - who had plenty of youth in their squad - went about their business.
He said: It was a good game of football and credit to Inverness because I thought their kids were great.
"Likewise I thought our boys were really good. I thought we were exceptional at times and passed the ball very well.
"They weren't intimidated because we had some senior pros on the pitch with them. They met the demands that they put on them to move the ball sharply.
"It was nice to be on the front foot and get an early goal today.
"That settled the players nerves and the moved the ball really well, especially first half.
"The second half we got a wee bit complacent and we could have taken more chances.
"Despite what was said during the week about how young the Inverness team would be, I thought the players' attitude and application was great.
"The main thing is getting into the next round and seeing where that takes us."
Accies will discover their quarter-final fate when the draw is held on Tuesday.
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