MICHAEL McGOVERN reckons team work is the secret behind Hamilton's defensive resolve this term.

Accies have suffered just one defeat so far this season and are second in the standings ahead of their trip to Tannadice tomorrow.

St Mirren, St Johnstone and Ross County have all failed to register against Alex Neil's side and keeper McGovern is delighted with their impressive shut-out record to date.

He said: "Since I have come in to the club, the manager has been terrific.

"He has us so well organised and he puts a lot of work into it.

"All the boys in the squad and team carry out his instructions and it works for us. There is nobody who just does their own thing.

"That comes from the manager and a lot of credit has to go to him, and the players for carrying out his instructions.

"We have got three clean sheets out of five, which is great. It is not just the defence, though, it is a real team effort.

"The defence have been brilliant, but everyone is playing their part. It is really pleasing to have kept as many clean sheets so far.

"If you can do that, you are going to get something out of a game. Going forward, I always fancy us to score and I think we have goals in the side so there is good balance."

With four straight wins under their belt, Hamilton return from the international break in high spirits this weekend.

The clash with Dundee United is arguably their toughest test of the campaign. But Accies' lofty placing won't get to their heads.

McGovern said: "It is a nice position to be in and probably a better one than we would have expected.

"But as soon as we start looking too far ahead and thinking the job is done, that is when you get into trouble.

"We will keep our feet on the ground, keep working hard and doing what we are doing because it is working so far."