Hamilton striker Jason Scotland wasn’t surprised to see his side dump Hibernian out of the SPFL Premiership – because he never doubted their ability.
The former Trinidad and Tobago international was the man who put the Edinburgh side to the sword, finishing clinically to give Accies a vital early lead, before providing the pass for team-mate Tony Andreu to bag a last-gasp equaliser and put the SPFL Premiership play-off second leg into extra-time.
Scotland then netted a penalty, alongside Andreu and team-mates Grant Gillespie and Mickael Antoine-Curier, while goalkeeper Kevin Cuthbert saved two of Hibs’ spot-kicks.
Scotland (35), who took his tally to nine for the season, was delighted to see Hamilton get over the line, which was his task when boss Alex Neil brought signed him in January.
He said: “Lots of people are saying they can’t believe that we’ve done it, but I can.
“I knew after my first game for Hamilton that it was going to be difficult, but I knew we had it in us, and that I had it in myself.
“As long as I’m on top of my game, on top of my form, I can cause trouble for any defence in the Scottish Premiership.
“I did that, I scored in the first half and didn’t get as many chances in the second half, but we managed to do it and I’m just buzzing.”
Former Dundee United, St Johnstone and Wigan Athletic striker Scotland added: “It was pleasing to get promoted.
“I came here and my whole objective was to try and get promoted and we did.
“I scored and set one up, so I’m delighted for the youngsters, who will have the chance to play in the Premiership next season, so I’m buzzing.
“It’s an incredible achievement, not just over the game but over the season.
“When I came to the club the gaffer, Alex Neil, said our goal was to try to take us over the line. I did that, I’m really proud of the achievement, and we’ll see where it takes us.”
After Hibs had taken a commanding 2-0 lead from the first leg at New Douglas Park, most observers felt that Terry Butcher’s men were as good as staying in the top flight, but Scotland was delighted to prove them wrong.
He said: “We deserved it. Nobody gave us a chance after the first leg, but I thought that we played the better football but didn’t score the goals.
“On Sunday we played the better football and scored the goals, so that showed how far we had come.
“Some of the other press guys didn’t give us the credit we deserved after the first game, but on Sunday we showed what we were made of.
“You could see how much it meant to everyone, because the staff, the manager, everybody, came on and celebrated, and we were worthy winners on the day.”
For Scotland it’s negotiation time, as his contract us up at Accies.
There are indications that the New Douglas Park club want to keep the striker on board for their assault on the top flight, but experienced Scotland was keeping his cards close to his chest.
He said: “The manager brought me in, I had to take us over the line, and I’ve done that.
“I’ll sit down with the gaffer and the chairman, then relax, go on my holidays, and we’ll see what happens.”