McGhee and Gannon set to square off in Motherwell Dons clash

Nov 18 2009 By Andrew Weston

MOTHERWELL return to action after the international break on Saturday looking to replicate the form that earned them so many plaudits in the first quarter of the season.

Former boss Mark McGhee returns to Fir Park for the first time since leaving in the summer to take charge of Aberdeen.

Both sides met earlier in the season at Pittodrie in a game that ended 0-0 and was tarnished by the level of abuse aimed at McGhee by a small section of the away support.

Fifth placed Motherwell are four points ahead of the Dons who currently occupy sixth place and the game will be seen as a great opportunity for Jim Gannon’s side to further cement their place in the top six of the SPL.

One player who will be under the spotlight more than most on Saturday is midfielder Jim O’Brien.

The 22-year-old who has impressed this season is out of contract in the summer and could sign a pre-contract agreement with another club in January.

McGhee signed the player during his time at Fir Park and is believed to be keen on taking the player north.

Whether a move to Aberdeen would be seen as a progressive career step is up for debate but boss Jim Gannon said this week he would not stand in the way of any player moving on if it helped that individual fulfil their potential.

He said: “One of my principles now is always to inform players and never to inhibit somebody’s potential to grow, because we have a responsibility to each player to make sure they grow and make the best out of themselves.

“If that is outwith the club, then we should respect that.”

Meanwhile the fortnight break saw 17-year-old Paul Slane go under the knife and the winger, who was the standout performer during the club’s Europa League run, is hoping to return to first team training at the end of the month.

The teenager had a minor operation to relieve pressure on his calf at the end of August but it failed to cure the problem and he is now hoping last Friday’s operation has done the trick.

He said: “The first time I had the operation I wasn’t even walking by this stage but I was back on my feet last Saturday – less than 24 hours afterwards.

“Everything has been better this time and I hope to be back in training within two weeks.”