Nearly a new signing?

Keith Lasley last played for Motherwell in the CIS Cup tie at Aberdeen in November. He fell awkwardly chasing a through ball and has been on the treatment table since. Keith’s damaged knee was enough to keep him out for several weeks but it could easily have been much more serious.

Keith in action

Indeed, he was considered for the Livingston and Partick Thistle games but the decision was made – wisely – to ensure he was fully fit before throwing him back into the side.

Keith was excellent last season but was not quite at the top of his game this year – even before the injury. His place in the side is by no means guaranteed, largely due to Derek Adams doing well in midfield. Stephen Pearson offers something no other midfielder we have does with his surging attacking runs which means he is the only guaranteed a start. If we play four in the middle, Lasley will probably take up his place on the right wing. However a three man midfield will give Terry Butcher a selection problem. Leitch and Adams have both been fairly solid this year but it would be harsh to drop either at the minute.

Even if Keith does not jump straight back into the first team, his availability for selection gives us a fraction more depth. There is also the added bonus that he knows his teammates and we know that on his day he can be a very capable midfielder. We could have the benefit of a new signing without even looking outside the walls of Fir Park!