Michael Devlin boosted by Hamilton captaincy

Michael Devlin feels his appointment as Hamilton captain is a big vote of confidence from his manager.

The 22-year-old takes over the armband from Michael McGovern following the Northern Ireland goalkeeper's move to Norwich.

Manager Martin Canning felt it was the next stage in Devlin's development, and the centre-back said: "It's a massive honour.

"I feel it's something that I'm ready for, I feel can cope with it no problem and I feel I can offer the team something."

Devlin feels his long-term injury lay-off last season matured him as a player and a person, after battling a knee injury that kept him sidelined for eight months following an operation in May last year.

"I think it forces you to grow up, be a bit more professional and look after yourself a bit more," he said. "One injury can ultimately ruin your career."

Hamilton begin their Premiership campaign against Rangers on Saturday and Devlin is looking forward to the return of top-flight football at Ibrox.

"It can only be a good thing for the game that one of the biggest clubs in Scotland are back in the Premiership," Devlin said.

"As a professional, as a player, an individual you should relish going to that size of stadium and playing in front of 50,000.

"For the league it's great to have all the best teams back in it and I think it's good for Celtic, there will be a bit of competition there again.

"For a club like Hamilton, financially there will be positives from that with Rangers bringing in a big gate."