ALEX NEIL has hailed Hamilton goal hero Tony Andreu after the midfielder continued his stunning start to the season against St Mirren on Saturday.

Andreu has been one of the stars of the show for Accies and has caught the eye with a series of superb performances for Neil's side this term.

The Frenchman opened the scoring against Saints at New Douglas Park as Hamilton returned to winning ways with a comfortable 3-0 victory.

They remain only two points behind Premiership leaders Celtic and gaffer Neil admits that Andreu's contribution is crucial.

He said: "Tony has been a great find. It really is priceless at our level and for a club of this size to get goals from the middle of the park.

"He has been fantastic and on Saturday he got the most important goal, the one that broke the deadlock against Saints. It was a great finish."

Hamilton's attentions now switch to the Scottish Cup as they prepare to head for Firhill a fourth-round tie against Partick.

Neil's players will be looking to record their third win of the season against Thistle and he is in a confident mood.

He said: "It is funny to think back and remember that a couple of years ago Hamilton were happy just to be in the second tier and now we want to be in the top half of the Premiership and go on a cup run.

"It is important that we keep ourselves grounded.

"But we're doing well at the moment and we want to go to Glasgow and beat Partick on Saturday.

"I will be putting out my strongest team and a team that I think is capable of winning the game."