CARETAKER boss Kenny Black is understood to have asked Motherwell's board to consider him for the manager's job.

The Lanarkshire club received more than 50 applications for the post vacated by Stuart McCall and issued a statement this week stating they'd now seek to interview "relevant applicants".

Black, who was McCall's assistant, was not one of those who applied, but he stated his intent in a chat with general manager Alan Burrows on Thursday.

Speaking at Fir Park ahead of today's visit of Celtic, the former Airdrie United boss was asked if his hat was in the ring.

He replied: "I am still here. I had a meeting with Alan yesterday and we discussed various things.

"The club was not sure if I was interested in the job. They know what I am capable of doing. I have been here for four years under Stuart and we have been fairly successful."

When asked if he'll be interviewed for the post, Black replied: "The club will make a statement on that. I don't know if they will give me an interview.

"It will depend on how quickly the ownership of the club gets resolved.

"The board started the ball rolling by finalising a list of those they think are potential candidates.

"Whether or not they include me in that remains to be seen. But they will certainly have names they'd like to see.

"All I can do is prepare the players as best I can.

"Hopefully we can see a bit of light in the tunnel with regards to getting points on the board."

With one win in their last 10 games, Well are now only two points clear of last place.

But Black insists their 1-1 draw at Celtic Park in September offers some encouragement for the visit of the champions.

He said: "That showed what we are capable of.

"We performed very well that day.

"We have to ensure that Motherwell remain a Premiership side come the end of the season."