JESUS GARCIA TENA knew Tony Andreu had star quality as soon as he saw him in action at Livingston.

So the Hamilton defender is not surprised to see the Frenchman taking Scotland's top flight by storm this term.

It has been a stunning start to the season for Accies as Alex Neil's side have shot into pole position in the Premiership and it is deadly Andreu who has arguably been their most impressive performer thus far.

The midfielder took his tally for the season to six goals with a fine brace in the 3-0 win over Aberdeen last Friday night.

And Garcia Tena is pleased to have his former Lions team-mate for company at New Douglas Park.

He said: "Tony was magnificent last year and he has been magnificent this year.

"It is not just about the goals and the attacking work he does, it is about what he does defensively as well. He is a great player and we all know how good he is.

"At Livingston, he scored a lot of goals and was one of the best players in the team.

In training, you see how special he is. You never know what to expect, he can score from a back heel or overhead kick.

"He is a special player and we are delighted to have him."

Andreu may be leading the way from the middle of the park, but he is not the only Hamilton star to shine on the big stage this season.

A remarkable clean-sheet record has been the foundation for their recent success and they head to Dens Park tomorrow aiming to extend a run that has seen them go more than eight hours without conceding a goal.

Garcia Tena has played his part at the heart of the Accies rearguard and is delighted with the shut-out spree.

He said: "It has been fantastic and all our hard work is paying off. It is amazing.

"I am really pleased with the defensive record, as is the whole team, because if you don't concede then you are more likely to win games.

"We are scoring goals also but it is important to keep as many clean sheets.

"Nobody thought that we were capable of doing this, but we are showing people that we can do it and surprising people every week."

While Dundee manager Paul Hartley has overhauled his squad since claiming the Championship crown, Accies boss Neil has stuck with the group that won promotion via the play-offs.

Garcia Tena reckons that familiarity and work ethic is paying dividends this term.

He said: "It is about hard work and belief I think.

"We have mostly the same players from last season and there have been a couple of additions to the squad.

"We know each other really well and we have been playing together for a long time.

"We know what the gaffer wants. It is down to hard work from him and players. We will go to Dundee with the same mentality and be confident we can get the three points."