McFadden backed to wound Well
St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright has no doubt Stuart McCall will fire Motherwell up the table soon - but he hopes a rested James McFadden can prolong his former club's misery first.
Motherwell travel to Perth for their Friday night fixture in 11th place in the Scottish Premiership and on a run of four consecutive league defeats.
Saints are only three points ahead and have not won in five games themselves.
The form of the two teams represents a downturn in recent fortunes with Motherwell having finished second two seasons on the trot and Saints being the William Hill Scottish Cup holders.
Wright, who saw his squad cut despite his cup success, said: "They are probably similar clubs, people would suggest we have punched above our weight over the last few years and the expectation level has grown.
"I think Stuart is certainly one of the best managers in the league and the run that they're in doesn't diminish the job he is doing.
"We both know how difficult the league is, if you can get on little runs they can continue for a while in this league.
"It has happened to quite a few teams but he is one of the top managers in the country and I have no doubt he will get them up the table. I just hope it doesn't happen on Friday night."
McFadden faces Motherwell in a competitive fixture for the first time, after being released by the Fir Park club in May.
The 31-year-old only came on for the last few minutes as Saints lost 1-0 to Rangers on Tuesday night, although might have had a longer run-out had Lewis Macleod's header not prevented extra-time.
And Wright is hoping that his new forward can get up and running against the club where he made his name.
"James is only back playing after an absence," said Wright. "Medically it's better that he avoids playing three games in a week, and also we felt Michael O'Halloran would give us pace up front.
"That proved to be the case and I thought he did extremely well.
"I think that will to be James' benefit and he will be fresh for Friday night.
"Any player always likes to do well against their former club. I'm sure he has fond good memories of Motherwell and I'm sure Motherwell and their supporters have great memories of him.
"Let's hope he can get off the mark for us against Motherwell."
Meanwhile, McCall knows McFadden can provide the piece of magic that could decide their Friday night fixture - but he believes his own forward players are set to find form themselves.
McCall released top-earner McFadden in the summer as he shaped his squad for this season with four strikers at his disposal at the time and Bob McHugh set to return from a loan spell at Queen of the South.
The 31-year-old eventually ended up in Perth and is looking for his first goal for St Johnstone when Motherwell visit McDiarmid Park.
McCall said: "I saw Faddy play last week at Partick Thistle. The game wasn't great and there wasn't a lot of goalmouth activity but he played the key pass of the game which put (Lee) Croft through, although the keeper saved it. He had another decent effort as well.
"Listen, there is no denying the talent Faddy has got and still possesses. In tight games like this it might only take one second of magic and he is certainly capable of doing that. We are well aware he poses a threat if he plays, which I'm sure he will."
Midfielder Jack Leitch will begin a lengthy lay-off when his side face Saints. Leitch suffered a serious knee injury in a midweek reserve match and the problem will be diagnosed on Monday.
Paul Lawson (hamstring) and Craig Moore (knee) are close to fitness but not ready to play while Adam Cummins (foot) is out.
Source: PA
