Relegation battle is nothing to Frear for Motherwell's Elliot

The 26-year-old Englishman joined the Fir Park club from Forest Green Rovers in January and his first start was in the 7-2 thrashing by Aberdeen at Pittodrie which was followed by a 5-1 home defeat to Dundee.

After the loss to the Dark Blues, boss Mark McGhee made way for Stephen Robinson.

Frear described his start to life in the Ladbrokes Premiership as an "eye opener".

The Steelmen have entered the five post-split fixtures in 10th place, two points ahead of second-bottom Dundee and Frear is focused on escape rather than entertainment.

He said: "I wouldn't say enjoy. I would say it is a challenge.

"I have been lucky enough to have been down south and been at a team where we have been in the play-offs in the last few years.

"But I am relishing it and just want to keep enjoying my football

"Everyone's focus at the club is to get out the position, because we know we are good enough not to be in this position we are in.

"We don't think we deserve to be down here but it is our responsibility to get out of it."

Since their convincing win over Motherwell the Dens Park side have lost seven on the spin.

Manager Paul Hartley was replaced by former Dundee, Hearts and Rangers winger Neil McCann, who is taking charge for the first time on Saturday.

Frear is aware of the possibility of a positive response from the Dundee players although he hopes to capitalise on any early teething problems.

The former Exeter player said: "We were similar when we went to Kilmarnock when the gaffer came in. It changed the mood of the place and everything lifted 10 to 20 per cent.

"So they are going to be lifted by a new manager coming in with new ideas.

"But it is always a bit of a unknown when a new manager comes in so you are not really sure what is going to go on.

"So hopefully we can catch them off guard, start quick and get a few early goals which would be nice."

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