HAMILTON have caught everyone off guard to emerge as the surprise package in Scottish football this season.

But defender Michael Devlin insists Accies aren't amazed to find themselves starring in the Premiership.

Alex Neil's side moved top of the table with a 2-2 draw against Dundee United on Saturday as they extended their unbeaten run to five games following an opening day defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle.

It has been a remarkable few weeks for the Premiership newcomers as they have caught the eye with a series of impressive performances.

St Mirren, St Johnstone, Partick Thistle and Ross County have all been beaten so far this season, with Kilmarnock next on the Hamilton hit-list at New Douglas Park this weekend.

Nobody would have expected Accies to lead the way after six games but Devlin insists Neil's squad always had the belief they could fly out the traps.

He said: "It has been a fantastic start. We have surprised a lot of people with how well we have done but we have not surprised ourselves.

"We knew what we were capable of on a week-to-week basis and have tried to implement our game plan. It has worked for us so far.

"We are delighted with the start but that is all it is. We will try our best to keep it going and hopefully get similar results.

"We have shown how good we can be but it is only a start. We are confident we can continue it though."

Devlin had two reasons to celebrate at Tannadice on Saturday as he helped Hamilton to a point in an action-packed encounter with the Arabs.

It was the 20-year-old's first appearance for Accies since the defeat to Inverness last month as he marked his maiden Premiership start with a costly mistake in the 2-0 loss.

An injury to Jesus Garcia Tena allowed Devlin the chance to partner Martin Canning at the heart of the Accies defence and he is keen to make the most of second chance to shine.

Devlin said: "It is not ideal to come in when someone has been injured, you don't wish that on your team-mate. But it is a chance for me to get back in the team and fortunately we got a decent result on Saturday.

"It was great to play and hopefully I can get a run in the team again. That is down to the gaffer.

"I am a right-sided centre-back playing at left and Jesus is left-footed so the manager felt, with Jesus' experience, that he would bring him in to the team.

"I know I made a mistake against Inverness but that is part and parcel of football. It will happen again and it will happen to other guys.

"Jesus got the nod after the Inverness game and when there is competition for places you can't afford to make mistakes.

"If you do it at this level, you will get punished for it. And when you have quality guys waiting to take your place you need to be at the top of your game. I had to wait for my chance and hopefully I can take it now that it has come again."