Alex Neil knows what it takes to guide Norwich City through the play-off maze, says Hamilton ally Martin Canning

Neil and Canning were part of the Accies' play-off final penalty success against Hibs to reach the Scottish Premier League 12 months ago and Canning is in no doubt his great friend can emulate that achievement.

'I think he can get them promoted,' he said. 'He has got a good squad and Alex is great at what he does. He came through the play-offs with us last year so it would be great if he could do it at that level. It would be a huge achievement for him.

'It would be great. From a personal point of view, he would be delighted. But he is so focused and driven, he won't be thinking about himself. He will just be thinking about getting the club up and getting them into the Premier League.'

Neil made it clear earlier in the week he is prepared to let some of his talented youngsters link up with Canning next season to aid their development and the current Accies' boss revealed he has already been down to Colney.

'That is something Alex and I discussed,' he told the Herald. 'I have been down and watched an under-21s game and Alex has recommended a few. I will try to get down there again before the end of the season, if not maybe pre-season, but I would be comfortable if Alex recommended a player.

'The good thing is that he knows the level of the league up here and he knows the players we have got so he will know if there is someone down there who is capable of improving our squad. If we can bring someone in who can do a good job for six months or a year and send them back a better player then it is win-win for both. We will definitely be looking to bring in players, whether it is Norwich or not, we will be looking to bolster our squad.'

Canning is in the market for new blood after a difficult spell since Neil's departure.

He added: 'We have lost key players and the biggest challenge in the summer will be trying to replace those and get guys in that can come straight in and make a difference.'