Motherwell skipper Keith Lasley has been putting in extra hours helping to rear the club's next generation of players.

But the midfielder insists he will not jeopardise his place in Mark McGhee's side by going overtime with his new coaching responsibilities.

The 36-year-old has offered his assistance to Under-20s boss Stephen Craigan as he looks forward to a future career in coaching.

However, the veteran battler insists for the time being his current playing duties remain his primary focus.

Lasley - who joined his young students for an Under-20s clash against Hibernian as he made his return after a month out with a calf injury - said: "It was a good run out. I got to shout at myself rather than the lads.

"Helping out with them has been great for me and good for my development in terms of my coaching aspirations.

"However, I'm hoping that is still a little bit down the line for me and I feel I still have a lot to contribute on the park.

"It can be a juggling act trying to fit in helping out with the coaching and making sure I'm prepared for the first-team games. I've been doing it a little while now but the more you do it the more you know when it's time to take your foot off the gas with the coaching.

"First and foremost my priority is to make sure I'm right for a Saturday."

Lasley's first appearance since October 24 saw him link up with fellow veterans Stevie Hammell and David Clarkson.

Now he hopes to make his first-team return against Hearts at Fir Park on Saturday and help out a Well side currently struggling one place off the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

"It was the oldest ever age for a Motherwell Under-20s side," he said. "We came off after an hour and it dramatically dropped by about 30 years back down to something near normality.

"But it was a good wee run out for the masters' team and I'm now nearing full fitness.

"I was there or thereabouts but Saturday's game against County came a bit too soon. But having had a run-out in the 20s game has helped and I'm now available for selection.

"Being injured isn't much fun whatever happens. But when the team is suffering poor results that helpless feeling you get is even worse."