McGovern Excited By Celtic Clash

Photo by Jeff Holmes Hamilton goalkeeper Michael McGovern insists they will tackle their trip to Celtic with relish despite their poor run of form. Hamilton went seven games without victory when they lost 3-0 at home to Aberdeen on Sunday, a result that would have been even more convincing but for some blunders from referee Willie Collum and his fellow match officials. Accies could be forgiven for having some trepidation over Sunday's Parkhead outing as they struggle to adapt to the loss of former player-boss Alex Neil and top goalscorers Tony Andreu and Mickael Antoine-Curier. But they won on their last visit to the east end of Glasgow and McGovern cannot wait to face his former club. The Northern Ireland international told his club's audio channel: "One hundred per cent looking forward to it. You have got to remember, when you get promoted from the Championship these are the games you want to play in. "Even as a young boy, these are the games you want to be playing in, in front of a big crowd at Celtic Park. "It's going to be brilliant, there is no better place to go and try to get a result. "Obviously it will be hard but it's good to have that challenge. As footballers, you need to have challenges." Martin Canning, Neil's successor, hopes to have Michael Devlin beside him in central defence as a replacement for Jesus Garcia Tena, who was sent off against the Dons and already faced a one-match ban. Canning said: "Michael has been struggling with a little ankle injury. I didn't take a chance on him based on the fact 'Sus was going to be out next week. "Hopefully Michael can get his treatment through the early part of the week and be fit for Saturday." Canning also hopes to be able to field Nigel Hasselbaink, who is still waiting for international clearance following his return to Scotland from Greek side Veria. The Dutch striker was not cleared in time to face Kilmarnock or Aberdeen, although he would have missed Sunday's game anyway as his partner went into labour. Canning said of the bureaucratic delay: "It's another thing that's just not going right. You bring in a good player that is hopefully going to make a difference for us and you can't get him on the pitch. "It's frustrating because everyone at Hamilton has done all they can. We have been making phone calls and everyone has been doing their best to push it through. "The Greek FA have said they will get it this week so hopefully that gets tidied up."