REID STICKING WITH PRINCIPLES

Reid - praises Falkirk.

Hamilton manager Billy Reid admits Falkirk have been role models for his Clydesdale Bank Premier League newcomers.

Hamilton followed Saturday's opponents into the SPL two years after the Bairns clinched the First Division title.

And both have been welcome additions to the top flight courtesy of their attractive football.

Falkirk manager John Hughes has at times put his principles ahead of results as he instructs his team to play the ball along the ground.

And Reid has instilled the same ethos in his young Accies team in the opening stages of their SPL campaign.

Hamilton have already taken four SPL scalps in the opening six weeks of the season, the latest being Motherwell in Wednesday's Co-operative Insurance Cup third-round tie.

And Reid is optimistic that two teams focused on good football can produce a positive advert for the SPL at Falkirk on Saturday.

"They are certainly a side who have established themselves with good football," Reid said of Falkirk.

"We have copied them in a slight way. I have great respect for John Hughes and what he has done there.

"We are looking forward to a good game on a good surface."

Reid saw further evidence of his side's commitment to good football during Wednesday's Lanarkshire derby.

While Hamilton benefited from a controversial red card for Motherwell striker Chris Porter in the 2-1 extra-time triumph at Fir Park, Reid felt his side had played most of the football against opponents praised for their style under Mark McGhee.

"The sending off had an influence but it doesn't guarantee winning football matches," Reid said.

"I'm just happy with how we got the ball down and passed it.

"I thought we were the team who passed it. Motherwell went long, obviously because they were a man short."

Reid was also lifted by the performances of some of his fringe players.

While Hamilton started the season with 11 players who had won First Division title medals in May, Reid has gradually introduced his numerous new signings.

Reid made five changes against a strong Motherwell line-up, handing a debut to Northern Ireland Under-21 full-back Chris Casement, and still masterminded Hamilton's first win over Motherwell in 20 years.

He said: "We have a squad of players and we used some of the guys who we have not seen to see how they would cope with a Premier League team.

"They came through with flying colours. That's a big, big boost."

Hamilton's reward was a quarter-final clash at Ibrox, but nothing is fazing the Lanarkshire side at the moment.

"We've got Rangers back to back so it's a huge week for us," Reid added.

"But with the way we are playing, we will go there with confidence."

(re-opens) Meanwhile, skipper Alex Neil has signed a two-year extension to his contract.

Chairman Ronnie MacDonald told the club's official website, www.acciesfc.co.uk: "Alex is at the heart of what we're trying to do at the club and he's a massive player for us. We are thrilled to have secured his services for a further two years."