Accies' McArthur on recovery road

McArthur helped steer Accies clear of relegation in the SPL

James McArthur has declared his knee operation a success and believes he will be ready to join the rest of his Hamilton team-mates for pre-season.

The 21-year-old was troubled with a torn cartilage in the latter stages of last season but played on to help retain Accies' place in the top flight.

Midfielder McArthur has since had an operation to cure the problem.

"It was very successful," he said. "I went in and got the cartilage trimmed and I'm running again, so I'm happy."

It was McArthur's first serious injury as a senior player and he was pleased that it had not forced him to miss any games.

"I played through the season for 11 or 12 weeks and I'm happy I've had the operation now," he told the Scottish Premier League club's website.

McArthur's attempts at a summer break were ended when he lost his passport and he could now go without a holiday in a bid to be at peak fitness for pre-season training.

It just gives you a wee boost that teams are watching you Hamilton Accies midfielder James McArthur

"I'm not sure I'll go away," he said. "I want to make sure my leg is fit before I do anything to be honest.

"I'm in most days trying to make sure it's going to be okay for pre-season.

"I'm doing bike work and starting to run again, so I'm happy about that."

Like team-mates James McCarthy and Brian Easton, McArthur was the subject of transfer speculation last term and was linked with a move to Celtic back in January.

However, he insists such speculation helps, rather than hinders, his game.

"It just gives you a wee boost that teams are watching you," he said.

"It maybe gives you a confidence boost on the park as well. You are trying to impress as well as doing well for the club."