Hamilton manager Martin Canning can’t understand why his playmaker Ali Crawford has not been snapped up by a bigger club – not that he is complaining, of course.

Crawford rarely fails to impress as Accies’ main creative force, his wonderful strike against Rangers in the opening game of the season a perfect snapshot of the technical ability he possesses.

Released by the side he will come up against this Saturday – Hearts - for being too small as a youngster, Canning can only surmise that it is his diminutive frame that continues to repel suitors.

That decision has already come back to bite Hearts as Crawford scored and put in a virtuoso display in last season’s 3-2 victory for Accies over the Jambos at New Douglas Park.

His manager wouldn’t be shocked if his midfield magician helps to conjure up another shock result for his side when they visit Tynecastle this weekend.

“I am surprised he still here,” Canning admitted.

“I say this time and time again but he contributes so much to the goals we score and the opportunities he creates.

“I am delighted he’s still here. The club have always said they will never stand in his way if someone does come in for him.

“Ali has just got to keep his head down and keep working hard. If he continues in the same vein someone will take a chance on him.

“He can’t really do much more for us. He is such an influential player and we want to keep our best players.

“I think it can only be down to his size. Technically he is gifted, he works hard and covers a lot of miles in games when you see his stats.

“It can only be people looking at him and thinking stature-wise he isn’t big enough to play at a higher level.

“I completely disagree with it but when you know a player so well it is easier to make that judgement.

“Last season he scored a cracker here against Hearts and he’ll be an important player for us again on Saturday.

“He missed the last game here so we’ll have to see what we are doing with the team.

“If Ali plays then I’m pretty sure he’ll be up for the game.”

Another player who has proven that size is no barrier to success in professional football if you have ability, is Hamilton winger Danny Redmond.

Redmond has endured a nightmare year through injury, but according to Canning, he is beginning to look the part again ahead of his return to the first-team.

“He played for the Under-20s on Tuesday and did very well,” he said.

“That’s the first time he has got through 90 minutes without looking tired so I think he’s getting there.

“He was very good when he came on against Ross County for the last half an hour.

“I don’t think we have seen the best of him simply because of all his injury problems.

“Technically he is very good. He is a gifted player but just can’t seem to get a run where he stays fit long enough to force his way into the team and stay in it.

“This is as good as he has looked in the past season.

“We know he can be a match-winner on his day. It’s just a case of him staying fit enough. “