Ian Baraclough is so excited about his first game as Motherwell manager he named his team more than 24 hours ahead of kick-off.

The new boss may not have gone public with his selection but he has told his players who he wants to start at St Mirren on Saturday.

And he has every faith that the starting XI can secure the much-needed three points in the crunch clash against their fellow Scottish Premiership strugglers.

Baraclough said: "It's a clean slate and I've got to assess all the players. I've picked the team and the players know it. I like to work that way.

"Those who are not in the XI are hopefully not beating themselves up and thinking they'll never get a chance under the new manager.

"It's a squad game and you could be required at any time so you've got to be prepared.

"We have picked a side that's full of energy, that's technically very good. We've got strength in good areas. We are confident and we are looking forward to the game.

"There's an excitement in my stomach and I can't wait. Three points will cap off a really positive week."

Baraclough has already spoken about his long-term ambitions for the Lanarkshire outfit.

But, right now, his focus is on hauling Motherwell away from the danger zone.

They sit just three points in front of the rock-bottom Buddies heading into the weekend action.

Baraclough said: "I can only judge it on what I have seen so far but I can't understand why we are on so few points after the amount of games played.

"The quicker we can start climbing the table and pull ourselves away from the bottom two the better.

"I'm confident we've got the players to take this club to where we want to be. The short term is the focus just now."

Baraclough wants previous assistant boss Kenny Black to remain at Fir Park as part of the new regime and confirmed he will be in the dugout with him in Paisley.

Baraclough said: "I've spoken to Kenny and I'm quite happy with the situation at the moment.

"He's in the dugout on Saturday and has been working very well with the players this week. For me, it's business as usual. I'm quite comfortable with it.

"It's been a difficult period for Kenny. He had great success with Stuart McCall as his number two.

"To see a new man coming in must be quite a change but he's done everything I've asked - and more - and has been very supportive of me."

Long-serving captain Keith Lasley has worked under several managers at the club - some he enjoyed a better relationship with than others.

And he has been impressed by the new man so far.

The midfielder said: "He's more of a Stuart McCall than a Jim Gannon, hopefully, from my perspective.

"He's a positive personality. It's all been very positive. He is putting his own stamp on things.

"He's very hands-on and just wants us to go into this game in a good, positive frame of mind.

"The lads have all been very impressed by his knowledge of us and other teams - he has certainly done his research."

As well as naming a new manager, Well have also resolved their off-field ownership issues.

Lasley added: "Hopefully we can top off the week with a good result."