Pearson recalls Indian summer

Stephen Pearson swapped one Indian summer for another by returning for a second spell at Motherwell.

The veteran midfielder, 32, signed on Monday until the end of the season for the Fir Park club, where he started his career which took him to Celtic, Derby, Stoke and Bristol City.

Pearson, capped 10 times for Scotland, trained with Well in the close season but a deal failed to materialise so he joined Indian Premier League side Kerala Blasters, playing 17 games before the season finished last month.

He goes straight into the side for the Scottish Premiership clash with Celtic at Parkhead on Wednesday night, looking back fondly on his most recent football experience.

He said: My old team-mate David James from Bristol City, who was the player-manager of the team over in India, gave me the call and I jumped at the chance to go out and experience something different.

It's not as frenetic and the tempo is not as high, given the heat and humidity.

But the standard was good I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

The crowds were massive and that was something I wasn't aware of before going out. Every stadium was sold out pretty much. They're passionate about their football.

I think we had the highest average attendances over there which was brilliant.

They've got the money there and the population and I think that is what will make it a big success.

I think it is only going to go from strength to strength in the coming years.

The club I was at are open to any good quality players if the opportunity came up for any players from Scotland to go I would certainly tell them to consider it.''

Pearson, though, is glad to return to a club which was pivotal for his career.

I came here as a young boy and this was where I made my name,'' he said.

At the time there were a lot of young players given the opportunity to go on and show what they can do.

In that respect I couldn't thank Motherwell enough for giving me the opportunity.

I've never played against Celtic since I left. But I'm representing Motherwell and here to win for them. That's my main concern.''

Motherwell manager Ian Baraclough is delighted with his new recruit.

It was a no-brainer for me,'' he said.

He has great knowledge of the game and he is a winner, he has achieved at the highest level.

The temperature at Celtic Park might be a bit different compared to India but he could last if he is asked, no problem.''

Baraclough also admitted his interest in Morecambe midfielder Ross Williams.

He said: We have had him for a couple of days. It was good of Morecambe to let him come up here. It is still on-going.''

Stuart McCall was still in charge when Motherwell drew 1-1 with Celtic at Parkhead in September.

Baraclough is looking for his players to draw on that experience as they try to get away from the relegation danger zone - they are in 10th place - with their first win in four games.

He said: You remind the players that they have played against Celtic and dealt with it and caused problems.

You have to draw on those positive experiences.

There is no inferiority complex. You are not going on the pitch to be walked over.

If you give your all, who knows what you can achieve.

Hamilton went there and won 1-0 and Ross County drew recently.

There are certain ways of breaking them down and if we get it right on the day we can surprise them.''