Motherwell midfielder Carl McHugh enjoying his football again

The 24-year-old midfielder signed from Plymouth last summer but sustained a head knock at Kilmarnock on the first day of the Ladbrokes Premiership campaign on August 6 and was out until December 28 with the effects of delayed concussion.

McHugh was handed the captain's armband last month after Keith Lasley became assistant manager and earlier in the week he signed a new contract which takes him up until 2019.

Ahead of the visit of Berwick Rangers in the Betfred Cup on Saturday, the former Republic of Ireland Under-21 player spoke of how proud'' and grateful he was with recent positive developments in his career.

He said: I would have bitten both hands off for it around Christmas time when I didn't know if I was going to get back or how long it would take to get back.

There was time when I couldn't do a lot. It was worrying for six months.

So it has gone really well since I got back.

I played nearly every game - I was suspended for a few - but it has gone great and I am delighted to get the deal signed and to be the club captain is brilliant for me.

It has given me a new perspective on my career since it happened.

I appreciate everything a lot more.

Not that I didn't, but we become complacent in our lives and we start giving out about little things, everyone does, but since that I appreciated going out to training in the morning, going out to play.

I am enjoying my football as much here as I have done at any stage of my career so it has been great - although I don't think I will be flying in for 50-50s in the air anymore.''

With nine points from three Group F matches Motherwell have already qualified for the knockout stages.

Manager Stephen Robinson urged his side to concentrate on making sure they are seeded for the next stage of the tournament as one of the best four group winners, rather than looking ahead to the Ladbrokes Premiership opener against Rangers next week

He said: We are well aware of the importance of being seeded in the draw, we want to finish as one of the best winners in the group.

They are playing for places to play against Rangers.

By no means is the stating 11 or system set in stone. They are well aware that the top four group winners will be seeded along with the European teams (Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, St Johnstone). We have made that very clear to them.'

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