FADDY IN LINE FOR SHOCK RETURN

JAMES McFADDEN could make his first appearance since breaking his ankle five months ago when Motherwell face St Johnstone at Fir Park today. The 33-year-old, who was appointed Mark McGhee’s assistant manager last month, has been making a strong case for inclusion but the latter will make the final decision. McFadden is likely to start on the bench, McGhee believing the former Scotland star could be the ultimate impact sub. ‘He and I are discussing whether or not he should be stripped for action,’ said McGhee. ‘Otherwise, we can fill the bench with youngsters who Faddy, Stephen Craigan, Scott Leitch and myself don’t think are ready for the first team. ‘Or we could have Faddy, who hasn’t played any games, but is training. He probably isn’t ready to play either but, psychologically, it’s good to have him there. ‘If he had to go on for the last 10 minutes, he could cope with that. You can see in training he’s still a fantastic player. ‘So there’s an argument to include him and he’s getting there. He’s not sitting in the office saying he should be a substitute, though. ‘And, if he is on the bench, he can’t sit there and say to me that he should be sent on. He has to let me make that decision — he can’t send himself on. ‘But it’s all under control and we’re getting to the stage where he will be used.’ Motherwell were mauled 5-0 by Celtic on Wednesday but McGhee insists there will be no hangover today. ‘Celtic were excellent, but we could have done better,’ he said. ‘We’ve got to get over it quickly and we’re good at that. ‘St Johnstone are a tough side, but I feel we are on a par with them. We have recovered from Wednesday, both physically and mentally.’