Hamilton Accies star Scott Martin's suspension a big blow, but others must seize jersey, says boss John Rankin

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hamilton Accies boss John Rankin admits it is a huge blow to lose midfield general Scott Martin for the next two games through suspension.But he insists it is now a big opportunity for other players to stake their claim for a regular starting slot, as Accies bid to claw themselves clear of the relegation zone in the Championship.Martin picked up his 14th booking of the season in last week’s 0-0 draw at home to relegation rivals Arbroath, taking him over the points threshold and sparking a two-game suspension.The 25-year-old will now miss two crucial Championship clashes at home to Ayr on March 18 and away to Dundee on April 1, but will be eligible to play in their SPFL Trust Trophy final with Raith Rovers on March 26.It poses an unwanted selection headache for Rankin, but he says others have the chance to step in and stake their claim during an idle week, and potentially take Martin’s place beyond his ban.Rankin said: “It is a huge blow but we knew it was going to happen at some point.

Scotty was two bookings away from a ban for a period of time there and when he got booked against Queen’s Park last month, it was inevitable he was going to get a ban in the next couple of weeks.“A guy who plays on the edge, as Scotty does, it is always going to be tough for him to avoid a booking until the end of the season.“He misses the next two league games and that is a blow but we are trying to get players back who should be equipped to step in.“We know Scotty is missing for Ayr so we will prepare for that over the next couple of weeks.“He has played a major part for us - I think he has played over 30 games this season - so now we need to work towards who fills that jersey.“It is there for somebody to fill and take charge of.“It is