MARTIN CANNING has completed his first signing as Hamilton boss after handing a deal to striker Jason Scotland just weeks after he left the club.

The veteran forward quit Accies earlier this month in search of first-team football, something former boss Alex Neil felt he could not guarantee in the second half of the season.

But, after replacing his former team-mate in the dugout, Canning has moved quickly to bring Scotland back to New Douglas Park in a player/coach capacity.

The 35-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season and could push for a place in Canning's squad for the Premiership clash with Dundee this weekend.

While Scotland has confirmed his return to Accies, there could yet be a high-profile departure from the club before the end of the transfer window next week.

West Ham United have rekindled their interest in left-back Stephen Hendrie and have begun negotiations with a view to doing a deal for the highly-rated 20-year-old.

Hendrie saw a move to Upton Park fall through earlier this month, with Hamilton vice-chairman Ronnie MacDonald hitting out at the Hammers for their 'shambolic' handling of the transfer.

The deal could have been worth around £2million to Accies, and United have now returned to the table as they look to finally land their man.

Hendrie is out of contract in the summer and, having played more than 100 games for Hamilton and been capped by Scotland at several youth levels, Accies would be due considerable compensation if he agrees a pre-contract switch.