STUART McCALL has confirmed that James McFadden will not be offered a new deal at Fir Park.

The former Scotland star found his starting status under increasing threat last term and was a second-half substitute in Well's dramatic last-day victory over Aberdeen, at Pittodrie, which secured a second-placed SPFL Premiership.

After returning to Fir Park in February 2013, McFadden played a key part in helping the club finish second in the table and securing a place in the Champions League qualifiers for the first time in their history.

But he has been unable to replicate that form with injury and curtailed game time impacting on his form.

McCall said: "I had James in last Friday and we had a discussion about the future and everything was very amicable.

"I cannot speak highly enough of his attitude, desire and professional-ism whilst he was here, particularly when going through a difficult patch or when he was injured.

With McCall citing "other options" as part of the reason McFadden, who is one of the highest earners at Fir Park, has been allowed to leave, it is unclear where the versatile forward's future lies.

McFadden started 23 times in 30 appearances last season, scoring five goals, but now McCall has ultimately decided his continued presence at Fir Park does not represent best value in his re-building plans this summer.

The Motherwell manager said: "In the past, we could possibly have used James in a number of positions, but I think he is at his best when played through the middle as a striker.

"But we have five different options in that position and need to utilise the budget in other areas of the squad."