TOMAS CERNY knew he was surrounded by greatness at Hamilton Accies.

The goalkeeper, who has now joined Partick Thistle on a year's deal, played at New Douglas Park for five happy years in a spell of over 150 games that saw him named the club's player of the year in 2009.

But it was not his own ability but those around him that the Czech was most impressed with.

In front of him in midfield at the time was Alex Neil, who has since gone on to manage Accies and of course spectacularly lead Norwich into the Barclays Premier League via the play-offs.

Despite Neil only being in his 20s at the time, Cerny could see even back then the potential the now Canaries head coach had.

He said: "Alex Neil is a great story. Everything has happened so quickly for him and he must find it hard to believe how things have gone.

"He deserves great credit for achieving so much for someone so young.

"I could tell even back then he was a future manger. He as a natural leader and you could see how savvy he was tactically.

"I'm not surprised he has done so well, just that it's happened so quickly."

As well as Neil, Hamilton have produced numerous young talents who have gone on to shine.

In particular James McArthur and James McArthy are the two that stick out for Cerny the most.

With the former at Crystal Palace and the latter now at Everton, the pair could go head-to-head in under two weeks when Republic of Ireland host Scotland.

It's a game Cerny admits he will be watching with interest as his old team-mates lock horns.

He said: "James McCarthy was playing for the first team at 16 and you felt even then that one day he would do well in the English Premier League.

"It was similar with the other James, he has done so well down there. He has it in him to be a top player.

"It will be interesting next week. I don't know who will come out on top but it's important for Scotland to win to give themselves a great chance of qualifying.

"I hope Scotland get a good result."