MARK McGHEE has put his faith in James McFadden as the new Motherwell assistant is left in charge of first-team affairs this week.

Following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Dundee McGhee is now on Scotland duty ahead of the opening World Cup qualifier away to Malta on Sunday.

While the Well boss is away in the role of Gordon Strachan’s assistant, Fir Park legend will get the chance to be gaffer over the international break.

It will be the first time the 33-year-old has performed the role, but McGhee has no qualms about leaving the man who came on as a late substitute on Saturday in charge.

“I’m absolutely comfortable with leaving Faddy in charge,” he said. “What we do have is a fantastic group of lads that won’t make things difficult for him.

“He’ll train Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday then he’ll do stuff with the younger lads on Friday while the other boys have the weekend off.

“It’ll be a few days of training without me but there’s no game at the end of it. It’s about maintenance more than anything else.

“I’ll be in touch with him every day.”

McGhee admitted he can be content going away on Scotland duty on the back of another positive performance, even if the result was not what he had hoped for.

In the first half Motherwell were by far the better team and looked like continuing the good form rediscovered during the 2-1 defeat at Ibrox the previous Saturday.

As it transpired, a resurgent Dundee emerged in the second half to limit the hosts’ chances, but it was not enough to dampen the spirits of the Motherwell manager.

“It would have been a really worry for me being away for a week and not knowing the frame of mind the players were in.

“I think the two very positive performances, albeit with just one point, can mean we go into the break with some sort of optimism for when we get back.”

It has yet to be clarified if McGhee is the only member of staff at Fir Park that will be departing this week.

Much, if not all, of the chat before and after Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership game surrounded Chris Cadden, Motherwell’s talented 19-year-old midfielder.

His omission from Ricky Sbragia’s under-21 squad triggered plenty of criticism given his consistent performances in claret and amber, as well as a lot of attention on the teenager on Saturday as everyone turned to see how he would react.

But as talk circulates of a late call into the squad, his manager was delighted with the drive, focus and application on display from his young starlet in testing circumstances.

“He did what he does well and he ran all day,” said McGhee.

“He’s a player runs up and down, gets forward, chases back and has a tremendous industry and work ethic.

“Cads still has to learn to be a better joined up footballer, but he’s only 19. You forget that and we need to work at it with him when he breaks and then he should maybe play off Scott McDonald or the wingers.

“He’s still got a lot to learn but it was another terrific performance from him again.”