Hamilton Academical v Partick Thistle has passed a pitch inspection, with the Scottish Championship match scheduled to be broadcast on BBC Scotland from 19:30 GMT (kick-off 19:45).

Freezing temperatures in South Lanarkshire had prompted the inspection at New Douglas Park.

What the managers say

Image source, SNS
Image caption,

John Rankin's Hamilton are eighth in the Scottish Championship

Scottish Championship: Hamilton Academical v Partick Thistle

Venue: New Douglas Park, Hamilton Date: Friday, 10 January Time: 19:45 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC Scotland & iPlayer from 19:30

Meanwhile, Hamilton head coach John Rankin believes ad hoc rescheduling of matches amid wintry conditions is a step in the right direction.

The SPFL have allowed some fixtures to be moved to Sunday and Tuesday to avoid the worst of the weather with low temperatures forecast until Saturday.

"Having that sort of flexibility at this time of year is certainly a move forward," said Rankin.

"It allows the spectators to not have the cold and they can actually enjoy the experience of watching their team play football."

Last Friday's live second-tier game between Airdrieonians and Falkirk was postponed following a pitch inspection by referee Iain Sneddon after ice became ingrained on the pitch. Coincidentally, the same official will also be in charge of the game at New Douglas Park on Friday.

Partick Thistle manager Kris Doolan wants a reaction from his Partick Thistle side after two straight defeats.

Thistle lost 2-1 at Greenock Morton and were then thumped 4-1 at Firhill by second-bottom Dunfermline Athletic last weekend.

"I am hopeful," said Doolan. "We addressed it head on after the game.

"You can lose games, you can lose by the odd goal in football. It happens. But it was the manner in which we lost the game that was just unacceptable.

"We had a good meeting with the players, went through everything that is expected and I think we got that communication with them. They understand that as well."

Despite those recent defeats, Thistle sit fourth. With key players Harry Milne and Aaron Muirhead returning from injury next week and Dan Mackay back in a couple of weeks, Doolan says regaining consistency is now the focus.

"I think from game four to about game 18 we actually picked up the most points in the league," he said.

"The squads we have had in the past have all known what the Championship is all about and that is what I see in this squad. I also see some leaders that we have added.

"Lee Ashcroft captained his way to the Championship title. Logan Chalmers played in umpteen Championship games so has a real good understanding of this level and the level above.

"Recruitment-wise we have brought in a good squad. It is trying to keep everyone fit that has been the issue. I don't just want to blame injuries because for the first few games of the season we were just poor, we just didn't play well."

Hamilton's game against Morton last weekend fell foul of the weather. The previous weekend they beat Airdrieonians 3-2 with a last-minute goal from Oli Shaw.

Rankin wants his side to right the wrongs from the last time Accies met Thistle at Firhill in November, a 5-1 win for the hosts.

"We let ourselves down," added Rankin.

"We've got an opportunity to go back-to-back wins at home and that is something I will be emphasising to my players.

"We need to be at the top of our game to get anything from it."