James McCarthy threw his jersey into the crowd after Saturday's match

Hamilton Accies chief executive Ronnie McDonald insists money will not dictate the futures of much-admired players.

Reports have linked midfielder James McCarthy with a move to the English Championship or Celtic, with keeper Tomas Cerny also being monitored.

"We want the players to go to the best place to progress," said McDonald after the 1-0 win over St Mirren.

"Obviously, we would appreciate a big cheque - but we want boys to progress by going to the right club."

Celtic had an offer for 18-year-old McCarthy rejected last week and the Lanarkshire club have also rejected a bid of about £500,000 from Portsmouth for the player.

Swansea manager Roberto Martinez and Colchester United boss Paul Lambert attended Hamilton's final match of the season against St Mirren, with both clubs believed to be tracking several of Hamilton's players - including Cerny, McCarthy, fellow midfielder James McArthur and defender Brian Easton.

We would never consider selling to a club that wouldn't suit their style, irrespective of how much the cheque was, or if they're just going to sit on the bench Hamilton chief executive Ronnie McDonald

However, McDonald insists that Hamilton's best talents would only be sold if the circumstances were right for all the concerned parties.

"We would never consider selling to a club that wouldn't suit their style, irrespective of how much the cheque was, or if they're just going to sit on the bench," said McDonald.

"The deal will be a deal when the buying club are happy and we're happy - and if the player is keen to go there.

"But we won't be forcing out players out the door to a place they may not want to go, just for the sake of a cheque."

Meanwhile, McCarthy himself was reluctant to discuss any potential move away from New Douglas Park and manager Billy Reid said Accies would not be rushed into any panic sales.

"I'm happy where I am and I'll sit down and speak with the manager next week," McCarthy told BBC Scotland following Hamilton's end-of-season 1-0 win over St Mirren.

"But I'm not sure what's happening - I'm just happy with what I've done this season."

Reid added: "We're not in any hurry for any young player to leave, but we're not going to stand in their way if something better comes along.

"We have more young players ready to step in and I'll continue to play young players.

"It's the way forward for our club and Scottish football."

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