Motherwell will step up their recruitment of a new manager, but caretaker Stephen Craigan's role in the process was no clearer following their 2-1 defeat by Dundee.

Craigan had shelved all talk of his own future in the build-up to the Dens Park encounter and remained non-committal following the Ladbrokes Premiership loss, which saw them drift five points off the top six.

Craigan and owner Les Hutchison will have to decide on a way forward as the club prepare to draw up a shortlist following dozens of applications from the likes of Simo Valakari, Mixu Paatelainen and Mark McGhee.

"I haven't declared an interest to the owner yet and the owner hasn't asked me if I want it," the club's under-20s coach said.

"We said during the week we would deflect away any questions and just deal with the game.

"As the week progresses and they are doing interviews or whatever they have to do, then there will be some contact."

Craigan began his stint in charge with victory over Partick but Motherwell failed to build on their third win of the season.

Craigan felt Rory Loy's opener for Dundee had been crucial and added: "We didn't test their goalkeeper enough. We eventually had four strikers on the pitch throughout the game and not to get enough strikes on goal was disappointing.

"It probably sums up where we are at the minute. We can't seem to string two, three or four results together. It seems to be one step forward and two back all the time.

"When the new manager comes in, it's something he will probably have to address, trying to get some consistency."