St Mirren assistant manager Brian Rice has been appointed new head coach at relegation rivals Hamilton Academical.

Oran Kearney's right hand man has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at the Hope CBD Stadium after Martin Canning was dismissed on Wednesday after four years in charge.

The 55-year-old was previously assistant at a number of Scottish clubs including Inverness, Falkirk and Dundee before joining up with Alan Stubbs in his short spell at the Simple Digital Arena and then going on to assist Kearney following Stubbs' dismissal.

The former Hibernian and Nottingham Forest midfielder will work under director of football Allan McGonigall at Accies in his first manager's job.

Accies currently sit two points ahead of St Mirren the foot of the Premiership table.

A Saints statement read: "All at St Mirren would like to thank Brian for his time and efforts at the club and wish him all the best in his future career."