Skipper Michael Devlin is hoping Hamilton's fortunes change in 2017 starting against Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Accies have won only two of their 21 Ladbrokes Premiership games this season with their last victory coming against Aberdeen in October, a record which has seen them drop into the relegation play-off spot, one point above Inverness.

The last fixture of 2016 on Hogmanay saw Lanarkshire rivals Motherwell score a stoppage time goal at the SuperSeal stadium to snatch a 1-1 draw.

On their return from the winter break, Devlin is looking for win in the William Hill Scottish Cup fourth-round tie at Rugby Park to help Hamilton put the first half of the season behind them.

The 23-year-old said: "If we had got the three points (against Motherwell) it would went a long way to kicking us on for the second part of the season.

"Unfortunately, I think that is the story of our season. That last 30 seconds summed up where we are at the moment.

"Whether the inability to get the second goal or see a game out, that is why we are sitting where we are.

"Although there have been positives this season, where we are sitting in the league just now is nowhere near good enough.

"That is the bare bones and we need to look forward. Saturday is another opportunity for us to win a game and carry that into the league form."

Accies suffered a shock 4-1 defeat to League Two side Annan Athletic at the same stage of the competition last season.

Devlin believes Hamilton owe their fans a victory against Killie as an apology for the Galabank humiliation.

The defender said: "If we recall the Annan game last year, that is certainly another reason for us to want to do well this year and do it for the fans.

"That was a real dark day for the club, the players and everyone involved in it.

"The fans had travelled a long way to see a dismal performance.

"So we are looking to put that right and show the fans that we are apologetic for that and that they shouldn't have to go through it again.

"I had come back from a long term injury. It was really disappointing for me and everybody who played that day but these things make you hungrier to succeed.

"I was desperate to help the team do well but it didn't materialise the way I wanted.

"I was delighted to be back but certainly on that Saturday night it didn't feel too good."