Hamilton player-manager Alex Neil has hailed the shock capture of Jason Scotland as an “incredible coup” for the Championship outfit after beating promotion rivals Dundee to the experienced striker’s signature.
Scotland, 34, has penned a deal with the New Douglas Park outfit until June following his release by Barnsley and is expected to receive international clearance in time to face Cowdenbeath on Saturday.
Neil believes the the former Dundee United, St Johnstone, Swansea and Ipswich man who also played in the English Premier League with Wigan represents one of the club’s biggest ever signings.
“We’ve managed to agree a deal for Jason and it is an incredible coup for us as a club,” said the Accies boss.
“This is a guy who has played in the English Premier League, moved for more than £2 million in transfer fees and has international experience and we have managed to attract him here.
“I don’t think Hamilton have ever signed a player who has moved for that amount of money in his career, and the guys behind the scenes have done an incredible job to make it happen.
“And, don’t be fooled, he is determined to be a big success here. I had a chat with him on Wednesday and he is desperate to do well.”
Neil claims title rivals Dundee were also in negotiation with the player’s agent regarding a more to the Championship leaders only for Scotland to make the move to Lanarkshire.
And Neil admits getting one over on the Dens Park outfit, who lead Accies by one point in the race for promotion, makes the deal all the sweeter.
“As far as I am aware, Dundee were certainly trying to come to an agreement with him and I am really glad he has chosen to come to us instead of them,” he continued.
“It’s always good to get a signing to come to you instead of one of your main rivals in the league.
“We have been working really hard on this one and to convince Jason that this is the right place for him and he would come and enjoy his football here.
“If you look at Dundee, they have added quite a few numbers to their squad.
“We have added Paul George, a young lad on loan from Celtic. But we have been working hard to get real quality in who would improve us as a squad. Jason most certainly falls into that category.”
Neil also believes the experience of the 41-times capped Trinidad and Tobago international will be pivotal to the progress of a young squad at Hamilton.
“He will help the younger kids by improving them and developing their game,” Neil added.
“I think some older players really respond to that and want to feel like they are nurturing younger players and giving something back to the the game.”