HAMILTON have been in the spotlight this summer because of the high-profile players who have left the club.

HAMILTON have been in the spotlight this summer because of the high-profile players who have left the club.

James McCarthy completed his move to the Barclays Premier League with Wigan last week, while Brian Easton has joined Owen Coyle's Burnley.

James McArthur is also being tipped for bigger and better things, but selling players on ensures a healthy profit for Accies and they have also been able to do a decent bit of business by ensuring they kept hold of Czech keeper Tomas Cerny.

The 24-year-old had spent two seasons on loan at New Douglas Park from SK Sigma Olomouc in his homeland but his deal has now been made permanent, amid fears he could be lured to another club.

Cerny, linked with both halves of the Old Firm, stood out for Hamilton in the SPL last term, and will be one of their key men as they strive to retain their SPL status again this season.

McCarthy will be a significant loss to the side, as Cerny admits, but he believes that if anyone can unearth a similar talent it is Accies boss Billy Reid.

Cerny said: "The thing I really like about the gaffer is that he doesn't look at age or experience but at ability.

"I was quite frustrated back home in the Czech Republic because I felt that, especially with a goalkeeper's position, managers were frightened to play a young player.

"Billy Reid isn't like that and I think young players respond to him because they sense that he trusts them.

"His philosophy is that if you have the ability then you are in the team and although I know we will miss James this season I am sure the manager will have a few ideas on how to fill the gap that he has left.

"It will be hard for whoever takes his place because James was a special player who could do special things in a game. It would be unfair to put pressure on someone else by expecting them to come in and do the same because he was a unique talent."

Hamilton start the SPL season with an away game at Kilmarnock and Cerny believes that in terms of fitness and preparation, Reid's squad is on track.

CERNY was quick to play down any suggestion that keepers have it that bit easier when it comes to the sweat and toil of pre-season.

"I think we have actually have it harder at times," he said. "We do all the same stuff as the outfield players but also have a lot of other things to do, so we certainly don't get it easy.

"But it is good to be back. It was nice for me to return for pre-season knowing that everything is settled and I can concentrate on my football."

While Cerny is relishing the prospect of playing his part in keeping Accies in the top flight again, he is aware that another fine season will doubtless mean more interest from elsewhere.

Accies have said repeatedly they will not stand in the way of any player if a big move is on the cards and Cerny's performances last term suggest he is one to watch.

"I don't have any burning ambition to play for one club or in a specific league," he said. "Obviously everyone talks about the Premier League in England and it is a great league, but I am happy where I am just now and I want to focus on my game completely.

"If something happens because I am playing well for Hamilton then that is fine but the most important thing for me is that I perform well here and make sure I am doing my job to the best of my ability."