The summer break allows players to get some R&R but James McArthur is putting that to one side to get back playing again.

Hamilton's James McArthur is willing to give up his holiday so long as he makes it back fit and well to join in the pre-season training with his teammates. He is recovering from an operation to clear up the cartilage problem which had marred his end to last season. The operation to repair the torn knee cartilage has been declared a success and McArthur insists he will be ready for the new season. The midfielder played through the pain barrier as he helped Accies retain their SPL status. He said: "It was very successful. I went in and got the cartilage trimmed and I'm running again, so I'm very happy with that. I broke my ankle when I was a kid but this is the only major injury I've had. I played through the season for 11 or 12 weeks and I'm happy I've had the operation now."

McArthur's initial attempts to get away for a summer break ended in disaster when he lost his passport and he could now go without a holiday in a bid to be at peak fitness for pre-season training. He went on: "I'm not sure I'll go away. I want to make sure my leg is fit before I do anything to be honest. I'm in most days trying to make sure it's going to be okay for pre-season. I'm doing bike work and starting to run again so I'm happy about that."

Like team-mates James McCarthy and Brian Easton, McArthur was the subject of transfer speculation and was linked with a move to Celtic back in January. However, he insists such speculation helps, rather than hinders, his game. McArthur said: "It just gives you a wee boost that teams are watching you. It maybe gives you a confidence boost on the park as well, you are trying to impress as well as doing well for the club."

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