Xavier Tomas enjoying the passion of Scottish football
The French defender joined Hamilton this season
French defender Xavier Tomas says he's enjoying the passion of Scottish football, and claims it's been a breath of fresh air in his debut season with Hamilton.
The 32-year-old played has played in Switzerland, Greece and Israel as well as his native country before moving to Scotland last summer.
Speaking ahead of Saturday's trip to face Ladbrokes Premiership bottom club Ross County, the centre-back said: "I enjoy the football here, it is passionate. I enjoy the contact and the excitement.
"It's different football than France or other places. The difference is, first of all, the people here have more passion for football than France or other places, and I like that. Before, after, during the game, there is more passion.
"And you have more contact here. You don't play like tiki-taka in Spain. I like that and it suits me. I have come here late but I enjoy it very much.
"You can hear the cheers from the stands. In France most people sit and watch and say 'okay, we win, that's good' and go home. Here there is more atmosphere. The people here appreciate how to support the team.
"Most of the people here are more positive than negative and that is also different to other countries. The people here are different and that's why I love it.
"In life, when you are passionate it's totally different - you bring extra and you bring something else on the pitch too.''
Tomas has helped Accies move eight points clear of County thanks to consecutive wins over Partick Thistle and Motherwell but manager Martin Canning has warned his players not to rest on their laurels.
"Obviously we won on Saturday and performed well so if that can be a catalyst for something then great but if you start thinking it's going to be then it won't be,'' Canning said.
"We must make sure we don't fall victim to that on Saturday, that because we have won two on the bounce we think we should go up to Ross County and win the game.
"Ross County are fighting for everything, same as ourselves, and we have to make sure the mentality is right.'