Keith Lasley is praying former Scotland star James McFadden can be lured back to Motherwell – and turn the Fir Park big-stage rookies into Euro stars.

The 29-year-old was released by Everton during the summer and is desperate to re-launch his career.

Faddy trained with Well on a couple of occasions last term as he recuperated from a long-term injury and hit the comeback trail while back home.

Now Lasley, who played with McFadden in the claret and amber of Well between 1999 and 2003 – before the 48-times capped Scotland star's £1.25million move to Everton – admits he is hoping a short term-deal can be brokered to tie up Faddy for the Lanarkshire club's Champions League qualification campaign.

Las said: "Faddy's presence last season gave every-one a lift. He still has an affection for the club.

"I'm not sure how things will work out with any deal, but if there is one that could be done that would allow Faddy to pull on a Motherwell strip again for the Champions League qualifiers, that would be massive.

"I was lucky enough to play in the side with Faddy before he got his big move down south. He has a unique talent that can win games for you.

"If it is at all possible to sign him then I think that would give every-one at Motherwell and, most important of all, the support, a huge boost.

"On a personal note, if the opportunity was there to line up alongside him again, that would be fantastic, but we will have to see how things pan out."

Turning his attention to the start of the annual pre-season slog, the skipper-in-waiting admitted the early pain lying in store for him and his mates has been offset by the club's trip to the Algarve for next week's sunshine training camp.

Lasley said: "You get to a stage in the summer when you are just glad to get going again.

"The first couple of days are always tough, but this season we have the boost of knowing we are off to the Algarve.

"As a player, it doesn't get any better than the chance to bond with your team-mates on one of these camps.

"You train with the sun on your backs and everyone does so with a smile on their face. We are a close-knit squad and everyone knows each other well, but I just think this type of thing gives you a great base.

"I've been looking after myself and making sure I have kept ticking over during the summer.

"The one thing you learn over the years is you have to make sure you have a good fitness base to help offset some of the pain you are guaranteed over the first few days."