Motherwell's Steven Hammell back from injury ahead of Dundee clash
Defender Steven Hammell is set to return to the Motherwell side for their home Ladbrokes Premiership clash with Dundee on Saturday after recovering from a calf strain.
Midfielder Carl McHugh is still struggling with delayed concussion which requires another scan as a precaution.
Striker Louis Moult is continuing his recovery from groin surgery.
Dundee defender Darren O'Dea admits his dinner plans may end up going sour if he gets one over on Motherwell striker Scott McDonald.
The former Celtic team-mates will go head to head at Fir Park as both sides look to give their campaigns a jolt.
The pair remain close friends after their stint together at Parkhead and are even booked up for a double date with their wives after the match.
But O'Dea is worried 33-year-old McDonald may have a change of heart if his side are served up another defeat.
The Irishman said: "Scott is one of my best mates in the game and he's probably fitter now than when he was at Celtic, which is when he was at his peak.
"He looks after himself very well. He trains right and is a winner. He's a moaner too but that comes from being a winner.
"We're actually booked to go out for dinner on Saturday night with our wives but who knows, he might sack that off depending on how the game goes.
"He knows that when we're on the pitch I certainly won't hold back against him.
"We spent half our time at Celtic arguing anyway, so this weekend won't be any different. He would moan about everything and anything. I'd bite back at times I suppose.
"He was not happy when he wasn't winning or not getting the ball. We have a similar type here in Paul McGowan but they are the type of characters you need at times because they drive people on.
"But Scott is a great lad and a close friend. However, come three o'clock on Saturday, that friendship will be put on hold."
New Dundee signing Kevin Gomis is in contention to make his Dark Blues debut.
As well as a first look at the former Nice centre-back, the clash at Fir Park could also see midfield duo Michael Duffy (thigh) and Paul McGowan (illness) make their returns.
But striker Craig Wighton and midfielder James Vincent are definitely out of the Lanarkshire trip after being treated for having fluid in the knee, while long-term absentee James McPake continues to battle back from a broken knee cap.
Dundee started the season impressively as they saw off Ross County in Dingwall. But they followed up with a disjointed loss to Rangers and then last Friday's stalemate with Hamilton.
Now boss Paul Hartley expects to see an improvement against Well.
He said: "I'll be looking for a big improvement performance-wise. We managed to get a point against Accies but overall the performance wasn't good enough.
"The players know that, though. We had a big discussion during the week so I expect a much better display on Saturday."
Source: PAR
