Johnston keen for extended run in team

MOTHERWELL’S Max Johnston is hoping a pep talk with boss Steven Hammell will result in more first- team action after making his first start of the season at the weekend.

Having come off the bench during the defeat to Hibernian earlier this month, the 19- year- old was granted a place in the line- up for Saturday’s 1- 1 draw with Ross County.

The full- back revealed that Hammell monitored his progress while on loan at Cove Rangers during the first half of the season and believes he can make an impact for the Fir Park club.

Johnston said: “The manager just wants me to keep working hard and see if I can bring that to the Motherwell team. He said I will get my chance and it’s up to me to go and take that chance.

“He worked with me in the academy. That really helps as well but he treats me like any other player too. There’s no special treatment. He always demands the same standards as everyone else.

“It really helps that he was a fullback as well. Obviously coming through the youth he’s always looked after me and given me tips on how to play as a good full- back.”

The Scotland Under- 19 international made 10 appearances in total during his time at Cove, and despite spending much of the season in the bottom half of the table, he enjoyed his time in the Championship.

He said: “Cove were brilliant with me. I really enjoyed my time up there. I loved playing every week and it really helped.

“I think I’m back a better player than I was before leaving for those few months. Getting as much experience as I can really helped me and improved me. [ The Championship] is a good league with some good teams and players.”

Motherwell’s last league win came in late October, a narrow 1- 0 victory away to Dundee United, and find themselves only three points above the relegation zone.

They will be looking to pick up some much- needed points against St Mirren and St Johnstone in the coming weeks in a bid to move away from the drop zone, and Johnston is eager to play his part.

Johnston said: “I think wherever Motherwell were in the table I’d be excited to come back. It’s obviously a good club and this is where I want to be just now.”

With his contract set to expire in May, Johnston will be hoping his performances can persuade the club to offer him a new deal. For the moment, however, he is focused solely on his performances on the pitch. He said: “I don’t really think about it to be honest. I just think about my football just now. I’m here at Motherwell and trying to get in that team then will just see what happens.”