MOTHERWELL have set very high standards over the last couple of years.

They finished second last year and third the season before and this campaign was always going to be a big test for them.

Stuart McCall, for me, was probably the manager of the year in Scotland last season. What he has done is nothing short of miraculous really.

I did worry about them this season because they lost a lot of key players in the summer - the likes of Michael Higdon, Henrik Ojamaa, Darren Randolph, Chris Humphrey, Nicky Law, Tom Hateley - who were very important for them.

I did wonder if they would be able to replace them. I think the verdict after the first few weeks is that they have.

The qualifier you have to put on that is the fact it is still a pretty thin squad.

The real test of Motherwell's mettle will come later in the season when injuries and suspensions kick in.

I think, though, that Stuart has got an impressive spine in the team with Lee Hollis, Shaun Hutchinson, Stephen McManus, Keith Lasley, Stuart Carswell and John Sutton.

You still have the likes of Iain Vigurs - who I think the best is still to come from - Henri Anier, Zaine Francis-Angol and Lionel Ainsworth, who scored that terrific goal to earn Motherwell a point at Tannadice on Sunday.

If you look at those players, it is a strong side - and that is without mentioning James McFadden, who has been out of form a bit at the start of the season. He is someone I think you will see more of as the season goes on.

The important thing is that players are chipping in from all areas of the pitch with goals as they can't afford to only rely on Sutton. The likes of Vigurs, Carswell and Lasley need to do their bit.

I think, from what we have seen so far, Motherwell have replaced the players that they lost in the summer more than adequately. I would certainly say they are top six material once again.

One man they didn't lose in the summer, of course, was the manager.

Stuart's personality is right for Motherwell, he is enthusiastic, his motivational skills are second to none and he and Kenny Black form a good managerial and coaching team. It is clear that Stuart gets every bit, and then some, from his players. The thing that will worry him is if an injury crisis was to hit. That is when we would find out a bit about the squad.

The next time to take the temperature will be in the bitter days of winter.

Stuart said at the start of the season that this would be his most difficult campaign so far.

He knows Aberdeen are stronger than they have been for some time, Inverness are doing well and Dundee United are stronger this time around as well.

When you lose that many players, it is hard to replace them on a budget but I think the signs are encouraging for Motherwell for the rest of the season.