NICKY LAW today tipped Fir Park trialist Simon Ramsden to earn a deal at Motherwell.
The powerful former-Bradford stopper, who is nicknamed Rambo, joined up with Well for the start of pre-season last week and Law was impressed with how his former foe has shaped up.
The Steelmen face a crisis at stopper with the retirement of captain Stephen Craigan and Tim Clancy's summer move to Hibs.
But Law has no doubt that Ramsden can fill the void at centre-back.
He said: "I have played against Simon three or four times when I was at Rotherham and he was at Bradford and he is a tough defender who is also good with the ball at his feet.
"He looked in great shape during the first two days back and obviously the gaffer (Stuart McCall) knows all about him from his days at Bradford.
"I think if he is given the chance to impress at our Portuguese training camp then he will earn himself a deal.
"But we are a bit light at the back with Craggs having retired and Tim Clancy going to Hibs. Although Stevie Saunders coming back will be like getting a new player in, the great thing with big Simon is his versatility.
"In that way I guess he is similar to Tim Clancy but if something can be done I believe it would be great business for Motherwell."
Of course Well gaffer McCall has a good track record when it comes to repatriating Englishmen in Lanarkshire to some success and none more so than Law.
The former Rotherham midfielder was snapped up last summer and has gone on to become an integral part of the Fir Park midfield and the Law has admitted he has been pleased to head for the sunshine of the Algarve after spending the first two days of pre-season drenched in a west of Scotland monsoon.
The 24-year-old said: "It was great to get the first two days back under the belt but make no bones about it, with the way the weather has been it is fantastic to have headed out for the sunshine.
"The furthest I have been away in terms of pre-season was Ireland when I was with Sheffield United so to have flown out to the Algarve for a week is great.
"I think the chance to train two or three times a day in the sun and bond with your team-mates is tremendous.
"We have a big start with the Champions League qualifiers at the end of the month and this will take our preparations for that to the next level.
"I also think that given the financial constraints that Motherwell and everyone else is facing in Scottish football then it says a lot about the club that they have put this trip on."
Well's plans for the new season have been undermined with the departure of Steve Jennings but Law remains upbeat about his side's chances.
The Steelmen ace said: "It is a disappointment that Stevie has knocked back the deal he was tabled but that is football.
"We have options and cover and with the gaffer you never know what type of rabbit he will pull out of his hat next."