Martin Canning knows his Hamilton side are in for a stern examination against high-flying Hearts this Saturday.

The Jambos have won all five of their matches since returning to the Premiership and currently sit top of the table.

But Accies have momentum too despite the setback of a midweek League Cup loss to Raith Rovers, winning their last two league matches.

Canning says that although his men know they are in for a game, they are more than up to the task.

“Hearts are flying just now,” he said.

“We did the same thing coming up and we managed to get off to a good start as the momentum was still in the side.

“I saw them against Motherwell and they look a strong, quick, powerful side. We’re under no illusions as to how hard a task it’s going to be.

“I said it last season when we were on a poor run that momentum in football can take you so far.

“When you build up that head of steam it’s difficult to lose it. The same applies when you are on a losing run. It’s difficult to swing it.

“Hearts are probably turning up just now believing they are going to win every game. That’s what belief gives you.

“They are a good side but we need to go and pick them apart.

“I think it does help that people see you as the team that’s come up and they maybe assume they are going to beat you because you have come from a lower league.

“But I don’t think that will be the case with Hearts. Everyone knew when they came up that they were going to be a strong side and a difficult team to beat.

“If you get off to this good a start and with the momentum, I’d say they are one of the top teams along with Celtic and Aberdeen.

“I’m sure they’ll have a good season and from our perspective, Saturday is a difficult game.”

It’s been a good week for Hamilton’s striking department, with Brazilian forward Alex D’Acol coming on board to join Christian Nade and Carlton Morris, both of whom scored in their last appearances.

It’s the type of selection headache that a manager enjoys, and he is hoping that the former AEK Athens man can hit the ground running.

“Alex will add a bit of competition up top and he’s got a good goal-scoring record in Greece,” he said.

“Hopefully he can bring that to Scotland.

“The recruitment at the club this year has been excellent. We’ve worked hard and brought in good players.

“The first thing I look at is their character and how much they want to progress their career.

“I think the boys that have come in have been great. Their attitudes have been spot on.

“Hopefully if Alex can settle as well as the rest have we’ve got another good player on our hands.

“He can play as a No9 – he had a good record in Greece – or can play as a No10 or even from the wide areas. He’s versatile and we’re looking forward to getting him going.”