'Points difference shows Motherwell's progression'

The pause in domestic action is no time for rest at Motherwell after a bright start to the season.

Stuart Kettlewell has plans for the players who won't be away with their respective nations during this international break.

He revealed those who have not seen much game team will take part in a bounce game, while he also wants to use this time to "work with players on the training pitch" and "kick on to become a better team".

Motherwell have certainly kicked on from this time last year.

Eleven league games in and Motherwell are sitting on 19 points. Compare that to last season and they were on 11 points at this stage. Eight points better off is a significant and satisfying showing of progression.

But still Kettlewell and his coaching staff want more - the Motherwell players won't be surprised by this.

Something he’ll no doubt be working on in the coming days is being a bit more clinical in front of goal. Only three teams - bottom two Hibs and Hearts plus Ross County - have scored fewer than Motherwell's total of 15 league goals. Making games a little less nervy is something the Motherwell fans would welcome.

What will have pleased Kettlewell is signs of a developing cohesion within the squad, despite the absence of several key players. If those bonds continue to grow, the next 11 games could be just as rewarding for Kettlewell and his team.