Hamilton v Ross County: Apprentice Rankin aims to upset his coaching master Mackay

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Hamilton boss John Rankin knows his pal Malky Mackay won't take it easy on his side in the Scottish Cup having experienced 'no sympathy' from the Ross County gaffer when he was putting him through his coaching badges with the SFA.Mackay was the SFA Performance Director as Rankin successfully earned his UEFA Pro Licence a few years ago and now the apprentice will be looking to upset his former teacher when the two clash in fourth round tie at New Douglas Park this afternoon.Both gaffers go into the clash with their teams bottom of their respective leagues in the Championship and Premiership.And knowing Mackay as he does, Rankin is sure the County boss will be have his struggling side fired up and ready to send Accies packing.Rankin said: "I've known Malky for a few years now because he has done the coach educational courses, so I'm expecting a well-drilled, aggressive team who will get in your face."Malky was head of coach education for a number of years and when I was going through my pathway doing my pro licence, Malky took us away for two years to educate us and write a thesis."It was really interesting and a really good course which has hugely benefited me."I can remember being in crutches in Bologna [in 2019] and Malky not feeling any sympathy and taking me to San Marino when I was on those crutches."So I know if that is how he is treating some of the people on his courses, how he deals with his players will mean there is a drive there to go and make people better and tell them you need to overcome the difficult times in front of you sometimes."Ross County's situation is pretty similar to our own just now so I'm not expecting it to be a great game of football but I am expecting it to be very competitive."Rankin, a