Miller can cut it in the Premiership, says Hamilton boss Canning

Posted Wednesday, July 25, 2018 by PA

Hamilton boss Martin Canning admits he expects big things from hat-trick hero Mickel Miller this season.

The striker, who joined Accies back in January from English seventh-tier outfit Carshalton Athletic, scored his first goals for the club in a 4-0 win over Berwick Rangers at Shielfield Park.

The victory keeps Hamilton’s slim hopes of reaching the Betfred Cup knock-out stage alive.

But Canning was just delighted to see his 22-year-old frontman get the rewards for his recent efforts on the training ground.

The Accies boss, who also saw a late Dougie Imrie strike deflected home by team-mate Rakish Bingham, said: “It was three good goals from Mikel and I’m really pleased to see him get his hat-trick.

“He looked sharp throughout and has been excellent over the last few weeks.

“As soon as he came in back in January you could see he had talent and it was just about giving him his opportunity on the pitch.

“He played the last game of last season against Motherwell and was probably our only bright spark that day.

“But he’s kicked on into pre-season and has now got himself a hat-trick tonight. He can definitely kick-on again because he really is talented.

“He’s going to make mistakes as he’s still learning the game and the step up to the Premiership will take some adjustment, but he’s got the right attitude to be a success.”

Berwick remain rooted to the bottom of Group F having shipped 11 goals in three games.

Boss Robbie Horn said: “It just keeps coming at the moment and it’s really hard to keep the boys going. I can’t fault their efforts, but it doesn’t get any easier with top-flight Livingston to come on Saturday.”