Hamilton have been dealt a blow as Middlesbrough are about to recall Sam Stubbs.
Boro will trigger a recall option this month and now he will be sent out to Dutch side ADO Den Haag.
It is a major disappointment for Accies head coach Brian Rice as the 21-year-old was an impressive performer in the first half of the season as they battle for Premiership survival.
Hamilton had him on a season-long loan but there was a recall that Boro have decided to use.
The move will allow Stubbs to get top-team exposure in Holland and also the English Championship side to recoup more of his wages.
The centre half will also work with fellow Englishman Alan Pardew who was appointed as the new head coach of struggling Den Haag earlier this month.
It means that Accies are now likely to be in the market to sign another defender.
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Reading have also recalled Luke Southwood from his Hamilton loan for their new boss, Mark Bowen, to have a look at him.
The keeper, however, is expected to return to Lanarkshire before their Scottish Cup with Edinburgh City a week on Saturday.