Alex Neil is up for the Championship challenge at Norwich City as the Hamilton boss looks to seal a Carrow Road switch.

Neil is due back in Norfolk on Friday to finalise his move, after the Canaries' top brass agreed compensation with his Scottish club.

The 33-year-old revealed at an impromptu press call at New Douglas Park he has yet to sign a Norwich contract, but Neil appears ready to cut his ties with Academicals after being head hunted as the man to replace Neil Adams.

'It's a great opportunity, to go and manage in the English Championship is a great opportunity for anyone, but I'm Hamilton manager at the moment,' he said. 'As far as I am concerned nothing has been signed with Norwich City or finalised on my part. All that has happened is the two clubs have agreed compensation but there is still work to be done with Norwich.

'At the moment I am not officially with Norwich. I have spoken to Norwich, but there are still a few bits and bobs that have to be sorted out and what happens next is I go down and sort stuff out.'

Neil informed Hamilton's squad of his decision on Thursday and he admits it will be a wrench to leave after guiding them upto third in the Scottish Premier League.

'I have been here 10 years, I have massive links to the club and I have spent the best years of my life as a player and as the manager for the last two years,' he said. 'Hamilton has given me everything I have got. I've absolutely loved my time here. I have so many good memories and that is all I take to be honest, but nothing lasts for ever. If I do go it's an opportunity I couldn't refuse but Hamilton is my team.

'It's like when I got the job here, I was 31 and still focusing on playing. I didn't know if I was ready to take it but if something crops up that is so good you can't refuse it.'