Neil accepts stars could move on

Pic: Jeff Holmes

Hamilton boss Alex Neil admits he will have no right to complain if he is forced to replace his players with youngsters - because it is part of his job description.

With January coming up, the New Douglas Park manager is aware the likes of Tony Andreu, Ali Crawford and Grant Gillespie will appear on rival clubs' wanted lists.

So far Neil says he has received no firm offers but the player-boss will not be worried if bids do start coming in.

"It doesn't concern me in the slightest,'' said Neil, whose side face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park on Saturday.

"If the young players are good enough and somebody is wanting to put the right money down for them, then good luck - take them.

"We will not stop anybody trying to progress.

"I don't want any of the lads to leave because we have had a fantastic season so far but the guys might want to further themselves and play at a higher level.

"It's part of the job description here. If I'm doing my job right, players will attract attention and then perhaps move on. My role after that is to bring on the youngsters to replace them.

"We are a selling club and the smallest club in the Premiership but the fact we have done so well means we are always going to have other clubs looking at our players.

"But we also use that as a selling point when we try to bring in players. We tell them to come here, do well for themselves, then get a move that will make them some serious money.

"So in no way would I be worried about losing anybody next month.''