Gallagher is feeling the benefits of Well switch

Declan Gallagher believes he is already reaping the rewards of his move to Motherwell as he prepares to face one of the men who made it possible.

The defender is set to come up against former Livingston manager, David Hopkin, when Motherwell host Morton in the Betfred Cup tonight. Hopkin re-signed Gallagher for Livi after the centre-back was released from prison in January 2017 after being convicted of assault.

The pair enjoyed consecutive promotions together before Gallagher had an ever-present season in the top flight with Livi, earning a move to Motherwell with his impressive displays.

Hopkin got his Cappielow reign off to a flying start with a 6-1 victory over Dumbarton.

Gallagher said: “It’s my old manager, David Hopkin, so I know what they are going to be like: they are going to be organised, they are going to be a fit team, they are going to be right in your faces. He has made a big impact already with a great result.

“I’ll not look forward to seeing him if we get beat, that’s for sure, he will try and rub it in my face… but seriously, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing him, he is a good guy so it will be nice to have a wee chat with him.”

“He gave me my chance back in football so I owe him quite a lot. I might not be here today if he hadn’t given me that chance.”

Gallagher believes the Fir Park set-up will help him improve. The 28-year-old said: “The boys have been really welcoming and all the staff have been really good. I think already I can see benefits to my game working with the sports scientist and the coaching and information I’m taking in every training session.”

Tonight’s other game sees Dundee United host Cowdenbeath in Group A.

United drew 1-1 with Hearts, losing the bonuspoit shootout but defeated Stenhousemuir 2-1 on Tuesday.

Cowden began with a 2-0 win over East Fife but were beaten at home by the same scoreline by Hearts on Tuesday night.