McGhee confident after talks with owner

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee is confident owner Les Hutchison is on the same wavelength following their Barbados talks.

McGhee spent the international break with the exiled Lanarkshire businessman discussing plans for the club.

The recently-appointed boss was reluctant to go into details but was happy with what he heard.

McGhee said: "It was great. It was to do with getting to know each other and understanding we can trust each other and I think we did that, we got on ever so well and I've come away knowing I have an owner who is straight-talking, who is frank, knowledgeable and who has got the heart of the club in the right place.

"I think we are very fortunate to have someone like Les on board and, as he says, giving the club a helping hand.

"The important thing is Les has the long-term future of the club in mind and not just short-term success.

"What he has asked me to do is sensible and realistic and it's a project we can all embrace and enjoy.''

Little was said about plans for the January transfer window, but McGhee will have to offload players to get more in.

"I've got a squad of players here and it's my job to manage that squad,'' he said.

"If I feel I need additions I will use whatever means I have to do that, which would include losing one or two or gaining one or two but that didn't need to be part of the conversation because that's already something I would be entitled to do as a manager.''

Meanwhile, Steven Hammell (groin) and Keith Lasley (calf) will sit out again as Motherwell take on Ross County in the Premiership on Saturday.

"Hammell will be fit but won't be fit enough to play and Las won't quite be ready to play but won't be far away,'' McGhee said.

"They are both very close.''