ALEX NEIL hopes to strengthen his Hamilton ranks sooner rather than later as Accies gear up for their Ramsdens Cup derby clash with Airdrieonians this afternoon.

Neil's side face the Diamonds and Stirling Albion on cup duty before the Scottish Championship kicks off, and the New Douglas Park boss is eager to add to his pool.

He said: "I am really pleased with how things have been going. I would have liked to have added to the squad before the game but that isn't the case.

"The boys are looking good and we are ready to go. The preparations have gone well, we have played some good stuff in pre-season and been winning the matches so confidence is high.

"We have got targets and we are trying to bring them in. It is a slow process. Clubs are not wanting to let their better players go and finance is an issue."

Neil is not the only Championship boss who could dip into the transfer market in the coming weeks, with Dumbarton gaffer Ian Murray on the hunt for more firepower.

The Sons head to Stranraer for their Ramsdens Cup opener this afternoon and boss Murray said: "There is still a chance for players to catch the eye and get in the team.

"We don't have that big a squad just now. We will have 18 on Saturday and three of them are keepers.

"We might add one or two over the next couple of weeks if we can."