Canning would prefer to lead Hamilton from the touchline

Hamilton player-manager Martin Canning admits his "ideal scenario" would see his boots staying in their bag for the rest of the season.

The 34-year-old defender has only played twice during this campaign, as a substitute in the 1-1 draw against Partick Thistle on October 24 and in the 4-2 home defeat to St Johnstone a week later when injuries and suspension left the squad short.

And with Michael Devlin set to return from an ankle injury in the new year to compete with Lucas Tagliapietra, Jamie Sendles-White and Jesus Garcia Tena for the two central defensive positions, Canning is hoping he will not be called upon again.

Ahead of the trip to Dundee in the Premiership on Saturday, he said: "I have taken a bit of a back seat. Jamie has come in and done really well.

"You have Luca and big Jesus as well, and Michael Devlin coming back so I think we are well covered in that area.

"There is a chance I might not play (this season), it would depend.

"If I feel that I am the best man for the job and if the players are not doing well enough then you never know but the boys that are playing are doing well.

"I will keep ticking over but there is every chance that may be the case.

"It is a strange situation to be in because as much as you want to play football, you are hoping that you are not needed. If I am not needed it is because they are doing well so that is the ideal scenario."

Accies are sitting in sixth place in the table but are going through a difficult patch having won only once in eight games.

The ninth-placed Dens Park side have not won in eight matches although five of them have ended in draws but Canning said: "Dundee are a good side, going through a difficult patch similar to ourselves, so it will be difficult for us to go up there and win."