Canning makes case for the defence as Hamilton target survival

Martin Canning has revealed he has prioritised clean sheets in a bid to steer Hamilton to safety.

Accies conceded 19 goals in six games either side of Christmas, a run which culminated in their 4-1 William Hill Scottish Cup defeat by Annan.

That shock defeat by the League Two side prompted manager Canning to reassess his tactics.

Although there was a further shock in store, an 8-1 thrashing at Celtic Park, Hamilton have now kept three clean sheets in four matches and their 1-0 win at Kilmarnock in their most recent outing was only their second win in 17 games.

Canning, whose team host Premiership bottom club Dundee United on Saturday, said: "Over the last month we have worked a bit more on defending and the shape of the team.

"If you take the Celtic game out of it, we have had three clean sheets from it.

"In the early part of the season we were expansive and tried to open up and create opportunities.

"But we weren't taking enough opportunities for the way we were leaving ourselves exposed a bit at the back.

"We have tightened right up and we need to continue to do that.

"Particularly the way the teams are now, there is so little in games that if you're going to gift teams opportunities and goals then you are giving yourself a mountain to climb.

"If you can keep it tight and be solid, you saw against Kilmarnock, it can potentially be a set-piece that gives you the three points. Just now three points are the most important thing."

Canning also acted to strengthen his side's attacking options by bringing in French striker Oumar Diaby from Levski Sofia.

Diaby comes into contention for the visit of United as Canning looks for more goals from his team.

Carlton Morris's scrambled winner at Rugby Park was the on-loan Norwich striker's fourth goal of the season and Christian Nade hit three before leaving for Dumbarton. Wide player Dougie Imrie is Hamilton's top goalscorer this season with five.

On Diaby, Canning said: "He's a big, strong boy. He's 6ft 2in and he's athletic. Hopefully he can add goals, which is something we probably haven't had enough of from our forward players.

"Although, on saying that, I thought Carlton Morris was excellent against Kilmarnock. So we have decisions to make in terms of personnel for Saturday but hopefully Oumar can come in and have an impact."