McCall wants more from Motherwell

02 January 2011 09:30

Stuart McCall expects improvement from his Motherwell team after his first match in charge ended in a goalless draw against Hamilton.

The New Year Lanarkshire derby failed to take off although both teams at least threatened more often after an uneventful opening half hour of Clydesdale Bank Premier League action.

"I'm slightly disappointed," said McCall, who started work on Thursday after being installed as the replacement for Craig Brown, who left for Aberdeen along with assistant Archie Knox.

"I think it was a fair result, I don't think we deserved any more. I know we have got better quality than we produced. It's a derby game, they are fighting for their lives, I don't think it was ever going to be a classic.

"I just think we were sloppy at times and we have got to be better than we were, that's for sure. The positive is the clean sheet and it's a point to build on but we have to build up the confidence going forward."

McCall lost Steven Saunders to a hamstring injury and Blackman limped off in the closing stages with a minor groin strain.

The newly-appointed boss may lose Blackman for good as his loan spell from Blackburn is now expired. The 21-year-old, who has scored 10 SPL goals this season, will discuss his immediate future with Rovers next week.

"I spoke to his agent Friday night and he'll be speaking to Blackburn on Monday and it's really all down to them," McCall said. "If they want to put him back out on loan I would be confident.

"The lad has enjoyed his spell here. I know he has been linked with Craig and Archie at Aberdeen and a couple of other clubs but if he comes back north of the border we would be confident it would be us.

"But it all lies with Blackburn and what their plans are."

Source: PA