Kilmarnock midfielder Jamie Hamill admits Hamilton have been a welcome breath of fresh air in the Scottish Premiership this season.

Killie could never have expected to travel to New Douglas Park seven games into the season knowing that they would face the league leaders.

But Hamill believes Accies deserve that accolade for the brand of football they've played.

Alex Neil's side won four league games on the trot after losing their opening match, and took an impressive point from Dundee United at Tannadice last week.

Hamill said: "I've been pleasantly surprised. They play good stuff, especially on the 4G park. They have started the season really well. Coming up against the league leaders is going to be exciting."

But Killie can move level with Accies if they win in Lanarkshire and Hamill believes that finishing will be the key factor in their meeting.

The former Hearts player said: "We have been playing really well. Bar the Inverness game we have created a lot of chances. It's just about getting the ball in the net.

"Getting the first goal is important in this league. So it's vital we start well at Hamilton."

Kilmarnock players, meanwhile, remain in dispute with the club over bonus payments.

Players' union officials were called in to mediate talks with members of the squad who want parity with other Premiership clubs over win bonuses and end-of- season payouts.

Hamill insists the current row is having no effect on the team's displays. He said: "We're still in negotiations over that so hopefully that can get resolved as soon as possible. It would be good to have had it sorted at the start of the season."