HAMILTON Accies' in-demand hit-kid James McCarthy returned from international duty with the Republic of Ireland today.

And boss Billy Reid expects to have him available for tomorrow's game against Livingston.

Reid has admitted there are a number of bids tabled for the 16-year-old, but so far the Accies have yet to accept any of them.

The hype surrounding the teenager has grown daily and the pressure on him has suddenly increased.

Reid, though, believes the youngster can keep his feet on the ground as his career prepares to take off.

"I can't control a lot of the stuff that has been written about him, but I can make sure that he plays to his best when he is here at Hamilton Accies," said Reid.

"I have said all along that we are in no rush to sell him, and I still stand by that.

"We have had bids from a lot of clubs for him, but like I say, we don't want to rush him out the door.

"I feel the fact there is so much interest in him justifies our decision to give him his first-team debut when he was just 15.

"I really haven't been surprised that he has attracted so much attention because we have always felt that there was something a bit special about him.

"I think he is a sensible enough lad, who will keep his feet firmly on the ground, because there is still a lot of hard work ahead of him and I think he appreciates that."

Dundee's Greg Strong had a trial at New Douglas Park last week but won't be offered a position with Accies, although Reid is still in the hunt for new faces - but only if they enhance his squad.

"There's no point in buying just for the sake of it," he said. "I also think that if we bring anyone in it will be with an eye on next season, as well.

"We want someone who is capable of doing a job for the next six months, but who could also stake their claim to start next season, as well."