Mchugh extends his Motherwell contract by a further 12 months

Motherwell have been boosted by skipper Carl Mchugh signing a new contract. The 24-year-old is committed to Fir Park until July 2019, 12 months later than his original deal.

The irish man missed the first half of his first season through serious concussion which he suffered on his league debut after signing from Plymouth, but he made a sufficient impact, even while playing out of position in defence, to be made captain when Keith Lasley moved into a coaching role. Mchugh, now back in midfield, said: “I’m thrilled and it’s great for me to get this tied up before the season starts.

“We’ve been speaking about it for a few weeks now and it’s been pretty much agreed for a while now, so it’s good to get it over the line.

“With the way the season started for me last season, missing the first six months, it’s been great since then and I’m delighted now – getting the captaincy was obviously a huge honour for me.”

Motherwell have also offered striker Louis Moult a new deal beyond next summer and manager Stephen Robinson will continue building for the future.

Robinson, said: “We are delighted that Carl has extended his stay at the club as he’s at the centre of the type of team we’re trying to build.

“He’s a captain in every sense of the word, both on and off the park. He’s committed to what we’re trying to do here and I am just so pleased he has agreed to stay.”