Rangers on Sunday is just another game for Celtic hero goalkeeper Jack Hamilton as he steps into the Scottish Premiership fray for injured Ross Laidlaw
Goalkeeper Jack Hamilton ended 11 months of Premiership exile by putting the reins on a Celtic Park rampage.
Eight days on, the former Hearts keeper is determined to mark his second game back in top-flight action by shutting down Rangers.
The double Old Firm baptism in Ross County colours is hardly likely to faze the experienced 30-year-old who described his timely entrance in the east end of Glasgow as “just another game”.
Brendan Rodgers’ side was destroying the Dingwall team at 5-0 up when Ross Laidlaw’s knee injury brought Hamilton’s first league action since starring for Livingston in a 2-1 defeat to Hearts on January 2 this year.
The former Scotland youth and under 21 international then pulled off a string of fine saves to prevent the hammering turning into an embarrassing hiding.
A summer signing by ex-Tynecastle team-mate Don Cowie, Hamilton has had to be patient, but is relishing his chance of a run in the team despite obvious concern for Laidlaw.
He said: “Coming on just before half-time, Celtic were flying - they were really excellent - but at the end of the day it’s just a game of football.
“I’ve done it plenty of times before and it was just great to get on and play my part in the second half.
“I was actually a bit unwell in the build-up to the game and missed Thursday and Friday, but wanted to put myself forward for the bench.
“I always mentally prepare so that, in the unlikely scenario you need to come on, you are ready.
“I’ve always done that, every time I’ve been on the bench.
“Unfortunately for Ross, he hurt his knee. I don’t know the extent of that, but I was called upon and it was good to get minutes on the park.
“These are tough games to kick-start my County career with, but they are games you want to play in. As I say, it is just a game of football and I’ve done it many times before.”
While Hamilton is praying Laidlaw’s knee problem can be resolved quickly, he is naturally relishing the opportunity it gives him.
He stressed: “That’s why I came here. I want to play football and take part in as many games as possible.
“It is never a good circumstance when a team-mate is injured and I hope Ross’s injury is not as bad as it first seemed.
“But it will be good to, hopefully, get a run of games in the team and kick on.
“Yes, I’ve had to be patient, but you just need to be able to deal with it as a goalie as it comes with the territory, especially when Ross has started the season so well.
“You just keep the head down, work hard and try to push each other every day in training.
“Ross and I have been good at that, along with the goalkeeping coach and the two young lads here as well.
“We’ve got a really good group who try to help each other. It is a bit of competition, but what matters is results for the team.”
It could be said County’s chances of repeating the fine 3-2 victory they savoured against Rangers at home last April will hinge on what Ibrox side turns up.
Will it be the one that hammered Nice and Kilmarnock in recent matches or the one that stumbled to a 1-1 home draw with Dundee United?
Hamilton said: “I think they will come up here desperate to win. They are a top side. It will be a really tough game for us.
“They are used to the heavy schedule, given they play so many games in Europe. It is routine for them and they’re used to the travelling.
“For us, it is about preparing properly and giving ourselves the best possible chance to compete - and enjoy the game as well.
“Our home form has been excellent, even last season. The lads have done really well here and always seem to enjoy stepping out with that home crowd behind them.
“That backing will be good for us on the day.”
Hamilton had a big decision to make before relocating to the Highlands in the summer, but the presence of Cowie - his former Hearts cohort - in the manager’s job helped massively.
Hamilton added: “When he first came to Hearts, I was a bit younger and he was always one of the ones you looked up to.
“He was a model pro and a great guy as well.
“To get the opportunity to come and play for him was a no-brainer for me and I was delighted to come here.
“He was a top player who played at the top level, and he is a top manager as well.
“He is the kind of guy you want to play for.”
