JON ROUTLEDGE has had a frustrating start to the campaign as injury has kept him out of Hamilton's first week back in the Premiership.

The midfielder has yet to play for Accies this term as he continues his recovery from a knee problem and has not set a potential date for his first match action of the season.

In his absence, Alex Neil's side have impressed on their return to the top flight, with their opening-day defeat to Inverness Caley Thistle quickly put behind them as they recorded back-to-back wins over St Mirren and St Johnstone.

A trip to Firhill is next up for Hamilton this weekend but Routledge will once again watch from the sidelines.

He said: "I am not back training yet. I am getting closer but I am not sure how long it will be exactly. My knee is getting better though so that is the main thing.

"It has been hard not being able to play but the lads have been doing a great job. Even when I am fit again, it is going to be tough for me to get in the team.

"Last year I was in and out and I didn't play as many games as I would have liked so hopefully this time it is right when I get back and I can focus on getting back in the team.

"I have had an ongoing problem for a while so I needed to get it sorted for good. Hopefully that is it done. It is a long season and hopefully I can get back, be as fit as I can, and try and work myself into the team."

Despite being tipped for an immediate return to the Championship this term, Hamilton have caught the eye in the top flight as boss Neil has given his side freedom to turn on the style.

And Routledge is confident Accies' attacking approach will pay dividends in the long run as they look to entertain and pick up results this term.

He said: "It has been a great few days for us. We have a lot of young lads in the team and I am made up for them.

"The first game was a learning curve, we made a couple of mistakes and got punished for them.

"But the boys showed great character to go and play the way they did against St Mirren and we played well and then showed another side of our game against St Johnstone to dig in and get the win.

"That is what you have got to do to get wins in this league. Hopefully we can keep it going now for as long as possible.

"The manager won't change his ways. The players enjoy playing this way. It is the right way to play, individually and as a team. We will get results with that approach."