Although the name of Alex Neil may not have been familiar for most Norwich City fans, his reputation has been growing rapidly north of the border this season.

The 33-year-old led Hamilton to play-off victory in the Scottish Championship last season and the Accies currently sit third in the Premiership table, four points behind leaders Aberdeen.

Asked whether Neil will be able to continue that success in England, Andy McGilvray, sports reporter at the Hamilton Advertiser, said: 'I don't see any reason why not, if he keeps the same ethos and gets the best out of the players, then who knows?'

That trait was one that Paul Lambert, City's most successful manager of recent years, was often credited with as well. And it seems they are not the only traits Neil may share with the man who led the Canaries from League One to the Premier League.

'I think it is just the fact that he has had everybody working as hard as they have been since he took over from Billy Reid in March last year,' McGilvray said.

'From his very first game in charge (a 1-1 home draw with Dundee) there was a completely different style of play and had everyone performing at the top of their ability.

'They went up to the Premiership after managing to get promotion, which was an amazing day, but I don't think anyone was expecting them to do so well, especially after how they went in the first game of the season (losing 2-0 at home to Inverness), but since then they have done absolutely amazing.'

It would still be a big step for Neil if he does join City, as he would be joining a club with a much bigger budget than Hamilton, renowned for their youth development.

Midfielder James McCarthy (pictured) left Hamilton for Wigan for around £1.2million and went on to join Everton for around £13m, while James McArthur left the Accies for Wigan as well, for around £500,000, before joining Crystal Palace for around £7m.

Earlier this week 19-year-old left-back Stephen Hendrie was being touted with the likes of Scottish champions Celtic, as well as Swansea and West Ham.

'The club has been fantastic at bringing through young players and is continuing to do so, there is a group outside of the first team now who are waiting to come through,' McGilvray added.

'Alex has tried to bring people through and he has definitely had a good crack at the job now, so it's good to see he's getting the chance to prove himself.'