MICHAEL MCGOVERN reckons Alex Neil is already in pole position to land the Manager of the Year gong this season.

And the Hamilton keeper is determined to play his part to ensure the silverware ends up at New Douglas Park come the close of the campaign.

Neil has masterminded a memorable start to the season for Accies, who head to Ross County today knowing victory could take them up to second spot in the standings.

And McGovern has hailed the Lanarkshire boss for his efforts from the sidelines as he tips him for bright future in the dugout.

He said: "There is a long way to go but if you were picking it right now he would be right up there.

"It is up to us to get as many results as we can to help him achieve that.

"The manager has been different class since I have been here.

"I have been thoroughly impressed with him and I think he will go on to bigger things.

"I don't think he gets the credit he deserves to be honest, other managers maybe get a bit more credit than him.

"The job he has done with the resources he has and to bring through young players, it is incredible.

"He is very professional and very honest. As a player, honesty is a big thing with managers and you don't always get it.

"I have really enjoyed working for him; he is one of the best I have worked with.

"I thought Steven Pressley was excellent and they are both similar. They are young managers that like to use analysis and have a modern approach."

Victory over Dundee last weekend got Hamilton back on track after a frustrating few weeks that saw their stunning form tail off.

But McGovern insists it is the bigger picture that is important as Accies bid for another top flight triumph in the Highlands this afternoon.

The keeper said: "It has been brilliant. You have to put it in perspective.

"To come up from the Championship and be so high up in the league is brilliant.

"We are looking to kick on again, you don't want to rest on your laurels and sit back for the rest of the season.

"We would have to have a really bad run for the season to be a disappointing one but we want to kick on and do the opposite and win as many games as we can."