Michael Devlin was so good at the back against Aberdeen that Hamilton boss Martin Canning forgot he scored the winner

The Accies skipper grabbed a crucial goal nine minutes into Tuesday's clash with the Dons.

But his resolute performance throughout the rest of the SuperSeal Stadium showdown was just as important for the Lanarkshire outfit as they climbed off the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership table with a 1-0 win.

Read more: Hamilton 1 Aberdeen 0: Pancake day parade as Accies leapfrog Lanarkshire rivals

And his manager confessed he was so wrapped up in hailing his captain's flawless showing at the back, his intervention at the other end completely slipped his mind.

Canning - who reckons Devlin could provide the answer for Scotland boss Gordon Strachan's defensive dilemma - said: "Michael was outstanding last night. He was so dominant. Any balls that came into our box, he went and won it.

"We knew Aberdeen would put a lot of balls in our box but we went with three at the back because with Michael, you're always guaranteed he will be in there heading things away.

"When I was speaking after the game, I actually forgot it was him who scored the goal as well.

"I was waxing lyrical about his defensive display so much I missed the fact he was the guy who scored the winner as well.

Read more: Hamilton 1 Aberdeen 0: Pancake day parade as Accies leapfrog Lanarkshire rivals

"I've spoken about Michael's qualities in the past but I haven't pushed things like tipping him for a Scotland call up too hard because I believe it will happen one day.

"What's important for him now is that he continues to concentrate on playing well for Hamilton. But if he keeps performing to the level he did last night there is no doubt he can play at international level.

"I made him the captain aged 22 because I see plenty of potential him. He's a natural leader and has played a lot of games already. For a guy of his age, he is still getting better all the time.

"All round the team was fantastic and it was a big three points."