HAMILTON boss Billy Reid has admitted the loss of Mark McLaughlin is a massive jolt for his side.

The stopper limped off after suffering a knee injury during the second-half of his side's 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

And scans have revealed the 32-year-old has suffered ligament damage and Accies will now be without one of their most influential players for around two months.

Reid said: "It's a huge blow for us. Mark picked up an injury at Rugby Park on Saturday and we were obviously concerned about him at the time.

"But we've now been informed that he has suffered ligament damage and when that's the case then you are looking at around an eight-week recovery period. So we could be without him for at least two months.

"I can't go out and find another Mark McLaughlin. He is a big player for us and is going to be a big loss for us.

"He has started the season tremendously well so as well as being a blow for us, it's also a hard one for him to take.

"Mark has enjoyed playing in the SPL this season and now he is going to miss a large chunk of games.

"But it's just one of those things that can happen. There is nothing we can do about it. We'll just have to get on with it."

As well as losing McLauglin, Accies now have to overcome losing their first SPL game of the season at the weekend.

And Reid admits his priority is to pick his squad back up for this weekend's tie against Hearts. He said: We have made a positive start to the season.

"Now we've got to try and get ourselves going again. We have a tough game when Hearts come to our place, but we'll be positive and trying our best to take all three points from the match."