Fir Park deal a relief for Hughes

Stephen Hughes admits the parlous state of Scottish football left him grateful for a six-week contract at Motherwell.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who played for the Steelmen between 2007 and 2009, was a free agent after leaving Norwich City in September. After being invited to train at Fir Park by manager Stuart McCall, he impressed in three training games which led to the offer of a deal until 3 January. In a climate of cost-cutting, the former Rangers and Leicester City player is simply glad to be given the chance to reignite his career. “I know quite a few players, top-class players in my opinion, who are struggling to get a team which shows you the way it is at the moment,” he said. “The financial situation up here is well documented. It is hard to get involved again so I’m thankful that I have been given the chance.”

“Now I need to try to prove myself in six weeks. It’s down to me. Hopefully I can get into the team and we will see what happens after January.”

Hughes will go straight into the squad for Saturday’s trip to Aberdeen and he declared himself ready for action.