Dougie Imrie insists that the Hamilton players are treating the Lanarkshire derby like any other game as they look to get their season back on track.

Hamilton were flying prior to the international break, winning three in a row including a win over high-flying Hearts.

Since returning to league business though they have suffered a humbling 4-1 defeat at St Johnstone and a narrow loss at table-topping Aberdeen.

Now Imrie insists that getting a win over local rivals Motherwell can kick-start their season again.

“You want to win every derby and get the bragging rights but we prepare for them the same as we would do a normal game,” he said.

“There’s no difference – it’s just a derby atmosphere.

“The St Johnstone game was a bad day at the office. We didn’t play that badly but mistakes cost us and we let them get their goals far too easily and it cost us.

“The performance at Aberdeen was night and day compared to Saturday.

“We were disappointed to lose the game. Second half we were the better team.

“Aberdeen got a penalty – and it was one – and then we had one that wasn’t given.

“I wasn’t too downhearted about the performance because I thought we were excellent.

“If we carry that into the Motherwell game we’ll be fine.

“Local derbies are always great fun to play in and both sets of fans and players will be up for it.

“I don’t think Motherwell won at our place last year. The last two games haven’t been good for us, but we can put it right on Saturday.”

Imrie has had his usual consistent start to the campaign, providing industry and creativity on the Hamilton right.

He believes that the Accies squad as a whole is more than good enough to confound those who tipped them for relegation prior to the campaign.

“We’ve brought in some good players to add to the squad and started the season not too badly.

“The morale is always high here and our main focus is to stay in the league and we’ve got off to a good start on that front even if the last two results didn’t go our way.”

Imrie revealed that his flatmate, young Motherwell forward Craig Moore who is currently on-loan at Ayr United, has yet to discuss the derby with him.

He is sure though that the subject will be brought up as the game approaches.

“He’s obviously on loan at Ayr right now and is flying,” Imrie said.

“He’s still at Motherwell most days – the banter hasn’t started yet.

“I’ve been away most of the week but I’m sure as we get to the game he’ll be having a wee go at me.”