Pearson: We Have Quality To Stay Up

Photo by Jeff Holmes Stephen Pearson extended his contract at Motherwell and then vowed to help the Fir Park club secure their Scottish Premiership future. The 32-year-old midfielder, who returned for a second spell with the Steelmen in January, penned a new deal which will see him stay with Well until the summer of 2017, and during that time he wants to remain in the top flight. Ian Baraclough's side are in the relegation play-off spot, four points ahead of bottom side St Mirren - who host leaders Celtic on Friday night - and three behind Ross County with three games before the split. Speaking ahead of the trip to Kilmarnock on Saturday, Pearson, who started his career at Motherwell before leaving for Celtic in 2004, revealed his delight at signing a new contract but also stressed the importance of Premiership survival. He said: "I am delighted to commit myself to another two years but obviously the focus is making sure Motherwell stay in the Scottish Premiership. "That is the aim for everyone at the club and hopefully we can do that over the coming weeks. "We want to stay in the top flight. We don't want to drop down to the Championship. "We think we have enough quality within the squad to do that. "It is going to be difficult. Ross County are on a good run, St Mirren are there. "But we can only look after ourselves and make sure we are prepared properly for each game, which we have done, and confidence is high after the Hamilton win in the last game." Pearson, who won 10 caps for Scotland, had no real qualms about returning to Fir Park. He said: "You are always anxious going back to a club for a second spell but it is about confidence in your own ability. "If you feel you are an improved player then you shouldn't have any doubts going back anywhere. "I am enjoying football. I plan on play as long as I possibly can. If I can play for another four or five years that would be great. "There was a big turnaround of players in January but we are starting to see the new players settle down. "I want to help the club stay in the Premiership - that is the short-term goal and then obviously we will look at things after that." Baraclough was delighted to extend the services of Pearson, who was his first signing after taking over from Stuart McCall in December. He said: "It is a big boost for everybody. Since day one I knew he was the type of character I wanted to bring in. "He was my first signing and to extend that deal for another two years is massive and testament to what he has seen in this club. "I know he had another couple of other clubs trailing him."