Gannon praise for Well kids despite shock Euro defeat

Published on Friday 3 July 2009 10:00

NEW Motherwell manager Jim Gannon looks set to put his faith in youth after the Steelmen suffered one of the biggest shocks in their history by losing 1-0 to Llanelli.

Stuart Jones headed the only goal of the first leg of the Europa League first qualifying round clash at Airdrie as Motherwell struggled to break down the organised part-timers.

Young midfielder Ross Forbes made his debut and Steven Saunders replaced Cardiff-bound Paul Quinn at right-back, while Jamie Murphy, Paul Slane and Robert McHugh also played.

Gannon pointed to the young contingent as he sought positives following the worst possible start to his reign as Well boss.

"People might say I'm ageist but I've always had a belief in young players," said Gannon. "I think they were the stars. Steve Saunders for example – people might judge him on the last 15 minutes when he tired but everything I asked him to do, he did it. Paul Slane had an impact and epitomised what we want from our attacking players – the ability to get on the ball and make things happen."

Motherwell struggled to create chances against a Llanelli side who can afford to employ the same defensive tactics at the Parc y Scarlets next Thursday. But Gannon insists he will travel to Wales with optimism.

"I know they are celebrating because it's a famous victory for them and a good reward for what they put in but it's far from dead," he said. "If we win on Thursday it will soon be forgotten."

The former Dundalk and Stockport boss added: "It's far from my worst result. I've been involved in a lot of games in football when I've been on the right side of part-time sides beating full-time sides.

"The game ultimately is not judged on possession or where you play territorially, it's about goals. They got the goal."