KEITH LASLEY is hoping that the winter transfer window closes with the Fir Park squad all present and correct – but with the possible bonus of a new face.

The Fir Park skipper was delighted with the midweek 4-1 triumph over Aberdeen – a side Motherwell must be sick of the site of – but the downside of playing well is the fact that players can be then lost to other clubs.

Jamie Murphy has been linked with a move to Ibrox and Sheffield United while Henrik Ojamaa has also been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Poland.

With Motherwell currently joint second in the table, there is plenty to fight for this term for Staurt McCall's side and Lasley is confident that the club are capable of keeping their best players.

"It is always a bit of a strange time when the window opens in the middle of the season," said Lasley.

"There is always a wee bit of speculation and you just have to cross your fingers and hope that the club keep the squad together."

McCall arrived at the club two years ago this week after Jim Gannon left Fir Park and the impact McCall has had has been impressive.

"He has an eye for a bargain," said Lasley. "Last season the manager unearthed Henrik and he came in and made an impact right away. He has been brilliant for us and he offers so much to the team as well as bringing goals.

"People have pointed out that he hasn't been on the scoresheet too much this season, but what they don't comment on is how much he puts in a shift when he is on the park. He really does a lot of work for the team.

"But with a bit of luck we could maybe bring in a player on loan as well as keeping the core together – that is always your hope."

Kilmarnock are next up for Motherwell before they finish for the short mid-winter break with a game against Celtic at Parkhead next Wednesday.

It is a tough schedule, but one that Lasley is looking forward to before he'll get the chance to take a breather.

"Celtic, as you would expect with their resources, are now kicking on and finding that bit of consistency that everyone expected from them," said Lasley.

"Kilmarnock have been a bit up and down this season but I always think that they are a dangerous team.

"They move the ball about well and if you give them space then they have the players who can make the most of it because they circulate the ball very well.

"But we also know that on our day we are capable of mixing it with the best of them. We have found a bit of form and ideally now we would like to finish the year off on a high note."