MICHAEL FRASER is determined to show new Motherwell boss Jim Gannon he has a future at Fir Park - by keeping a clean sheet on his debut against Llanelli tonight.
MICHAEL FRASER is determined to show new Motherwell boss Jim Gannon he has a future at Fir Park - by keeping a clean sheet on his debut against Llanelli tonight.
Keeper Fraser was gutted to learn Mark McGhee, the manager who signed him on a free transfer from Inverness Caley Thistle last season, had joined Aberdeen as gaffer.
However, the 25-year-old is determined to make the most of his move to the Steelmen and show Gannon he deserves a place in goal.
Former Stockport supremo Gannon, the surprise choice to take over from McGhee this week, wants to strengthen his squad with six new players.
And Fraser hopes a good display against the Welsh minnows at the Excelsior Stadium tonight in a Europa League qualifier can increase his chances of making the No.1 jersey his own.
He said: "It has been disappointing for the manager to move on just before I got here as he was the guy who signed me, but I am still delighted to be at a club of the stature of Motherwell.
"I am the only keeper we have here just now so I am guaranteed a start, but I have no doubt there will be a few new faces arriving now the manager is in place.
"But I welcome that competition for places.
"I certainly have an incentive to do well. European football is not something that I have been involved in before so the opportunity to play against Llanelli is one I am looking forward to.
"I am sure it will be a great occasion with a big crowd at Airdrie. Nobody in the team will take victory for granted. It is our first game back after a short summer break and we will have our work cut out.
"The game down in Wales next Thursday will, too, be tough. It could have been worse for us logistically I suppose, but I still think it will be difficult to get a result so early in the season.
"Yet, the boys have all looked sharp in training. If we get through this round we have an interesting trip to Albania up next. That is a real incentive to do well.
"A club like Motherwell doesn't get into Europe every season and we have to make the most of the chance."
As well as first-choice keeper Graeme Smith, Motherwell have lost David Clarskon, Stephen Hughes, Maros Klimpl, Brian McLean and Bob Malcolm during the close season.
Full-back Paul Quinn has also been linked with a move to Coca-Cola Championship club Cardiff City.
But Fraser thinks the depleted squad - with only 11 senior players - will deal with their Welsh opponents.
He explained: "There is plenty of quality still in the squad to negotiate this game.
"When Motherwell were at full strength last season they were as good a team as any outside of the Old Firm."
