James McCarthy's first goals in four months handed Hamilton a crucial 2-1 win at home to Kilmarnock, but the midfielder insists there is "still a long way to go" in this season's relegation battle.

The 18-year-old's strikes early in each half moved the New Douglas Park team up two places to eighth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, six points clear of basement side Falkirk.

He said: "It's been a long time so I was delighted to get back on the scoresheet, but the most important thing was to get three points, especially as other results didn't go our way."

He added: "I'm delighted to score as that's something I need to add to my game.

"During this season, I've filled out from doing weights and my game has definitely got better as I'm able to take the ball in and make passes, and I'm happy where I'm playing just now.

"This was a great team performance where everybody fought for each other; it's like a big family here and the most important thing is to stay in this league.

"A lot of boys who are massive players for the club don't get enough credit the jobs they do.

"Mark McLaughlin held us at the back, Martin Canning was magnificent there, Alex Neil is the club captain and leads by example, and everyone worked their socks off and battled for a great result."