ST MIRREN fans never got to see the best of Dougie Imrie in black and white.

Now the Hamilton star has a chance to show them what they missed out on when the Buddies head to New Douglas Park this afternoon.

Imrie had just one season in Paisley after quitting Accies in the summer of 2012.

After 12 months with Danny Lennon's side, he moved on to Renfrewshire rivals Morton and has now ended up back where he started.

The forward has been one of the key men for Alex Neil's side this season and can't wait to return to action against some familiar faces today.

Imrie said: "Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my time there and they have great facilities. I was just disappointed that I didn't get enough game time.

"The training was fantastic but for me it was about getting games and I wasn't getting it there.

"That is the reason I left in the end and I just didn't want to be sitting about picking up a wage and not playing.

"And even though I didn't play in it, we managed to get to the League Cup final.

"That has been the highlight of my career so far being involved in that squad - it is something I will always cherish.

"I hope they do pick up. But the main priority is for us to get back on the winning track."

While Imrie has helped Hamilton write their name in the history books this season, it has been a campaign to forget for his former club.

Tommy Craig's side are second bottom of the Premiership standings and in desperate need of a win to kick-start their survival bid this term.

And Imrie knows the Paisley squad are better than their performances, and points tally, prove at this stage.

He said: "I am surprised they have been struggling because they have got some very good players.

"They have had a few injuries to key players - Steven Thompson for instance. They have brought in quality players like Isaac Osbourne, who is a very good player.

"They also have the likes of Kenny McLean and John McGinn, who has been one of the rising players over the last few years.

"Jim Goodwin has struggled as well being on the sidelines. They do have a good team with a lot of good young players who are starting to get their chance.

"Jason Naismith was called up to the Scotland Under-21s as has Sean Kelly.

"They have got good players but it is just about getting that consistency. It was the same when I was there.

"We just couldn't get that consistency and for some reason it is just not happening for them this season."

While Buddies boss Craig has spent the international break trying to cure the Saints' ills, it has been a productive shutdown for Accies.

A selection of the brightest young talents at New Douglas Park made the trip to Birmingham last week to take on West Bromwich Albion.

And boss Neil is confident the trip will be beneficial for his Lanarkshire kids.

HE said: "We went down to West Brom and we took a few of the younger players down along with a few senior lads just to see where we are against them.

"It was a worthwhile game and we were the better side, it finished 3-3 and they scored in the last minute to equalise but we were great.

"The facilities were excellent and it shows you what happens on a different scale and it allowed our younger players to pit themselves against players who have played in the Premiership."