McHugh is the man for Mark

Motherwell boss Mark McGhee heaped praise on Carl McHugh for his instant impact.

The Irish midfielder returned last Wednesday against Inverness after suffering a serious concussion on the opening day of the season against Kilmarnock.

McHugh played two games in a row after a short return to training – something which the Well boss could not believe.

McGhee said:“Carl has trained for a week prior to Inverness and now he’s played two 90 minute games. “He defies logic. “I think he was running on empty near the end but he showed his influence in the early part of the game.

“You hear him talking you hear him moving people, organising and helping wee Allan.

“He’s going to be a great asset for us, we felt that when we signed him. “He’s got a fantastic attitude. “I would have taken four points before the two games.

“I think it leaves us in a good frame of mind. We’ve got Carl back, we’ve now introduced Allan Campbell and we’ve got Las and Hammy to come back.

“We’ll have an opportunity to look at the squad after the break and we’re very positive and optimistic about the second half of the season.”

McGhee also revealed discussions have taken place with a few transfer targets – with Stephen Pearson apparently high on the manager’s wish list.

He said:“We’ve had some meetings to see what we’re thinking.

“We’ve made some inquiries and we’ll see how it goes but it won’t be three or four players.”

Motherwell also revealed youngster Dom Thomas has joined Queen of the South on loan.