Hamilton squad never been stronger, says Martin Canning
The Accies made four deadline day signings at the end of August
Hamilton manager Martin Canning feels his squad is as strong as it's even been following a busy transfer deadline day.
Canning could hand debuts to five players in Saturday's trip to Livingston after completing his major summer overhaul on the final day of the window.
He added the experience he had targeted with the arrival of former Leeds and Bradford centre-back Matt Kilgallon, forward James Keatings from Dundee United and striker Fredrik Brustad on loan from Norwegian side Molde. Kieran Monlouis also arrived earlier in the week.
None of the new players arrived in time to be considered for the 2-1 defeat by St Johnstone on September 1 so Canning has decisions to make ahead of the Tony Macaroni Arena encounter.
"I would say this is as strong a squad as we have had,'' Canning said.
"We have competition right over the pitch. At times in the past couple of seasons we have been strong in certain areas but never as universally strong over the whole squad. There is competition right the way through.
"I've been a player in strong squads and you have got to perform. That's a good thing for a manager and for a player because it's driving standards.''
Canning had pinpointed experience as a key requirement after the start of the Ladbrokes Premiership season.
"Matt and Keatsy, we were working on for a while and thankfully managed to get them over the line,'' he said.
"We wanted an experienced British-type centre-back and looked all summer. Matt's desire to come up was as strong as our desire to get him in.
"He brings an experience and a professionalism that will help the younger players.'