ALEX NEIL insists points, not positions, are his only priority for Hamilton.

The Accies boss saw his side retain their spot at the top of the Premiership with a superb 3-0 win over Aberdeen last Friday night, their ninth league game in a row without defeat.

The victory also moved the top-flight newcomers 19 points clear of bottom club Ross County.

But Neil insists getting enough in the bag to beat the drop remains his first target, and one that is still far from being achieved.

The Hamilton manager said: "Points are the most important thing for us.

"There is no question that Celtic, with the squad and budget they have, should win the league.

"They have so many full international players who play at the top level.

"For us to be competing with them, even after only 10 games, and to be doing so well, is great.

"We have done really, really well. We are just looking to continue that for as long as we can and see where it takes us.

"But what happened to Hibs last season is a prime example of what can happen. They dropped into the bottom six and ended up relegated. It shows how quickly it can turn.

"All the momentum and confidence can drain away pretty quickly if you lose a few games. We want to make sure that is not the case with us.

"If we come unstuck, the response will have to be good and we'll have to get back on track quickly."

Next up for Hamilton is Saturday's trip to Dundee, who pipped them to the second-tier title in May.

Since then Paul Hartley has overhauled his Dens Park side, which currently sits in seventh place.

Neil said: "Their squad has changed considerably, with only one or two left who started last season.

"But their playing style is much the same and they have a lot of experienced players. They know what they are doing and are set up well, so we'll need to be at our best.

"Paul has got Dundee well drilled so it will be a hard game for us. But if we play as well as we have done recently there is no reason why we can't get a result."