NEW Motherwell loan star Anthony Straker hopes it is second time lucky for him now he has finally arrived at Fir Park.

The York City man was signed yesterday on a temporary deal until the end of the season as Ian Baraclough calls upon fresh faces to revitalise his confidence-stricken squad.

A defender who can also play on the left side of midfield, Straker was originally a target of previous Well boss Stuart McCall, only for a move to bring him to Lanarkshire to fall through.

But now he is at last at Motherwell, the 26-year-old Grenada international is keen to make up for lost time.

He said: "I think from when he was the old Bradford manager he saw me play and maybe liked what he had seen.

"People behind the scenes had a phone call with him and said he was willing to have me, but it didn't manage to materialise, but I'm here now.

"I'm expecting hard work and that I'm going to have to put in a shift. I've seen and heard from other players who have played in the Premiership and they say it's a good league to play in.

"I can't wait to get involved and hopefully being part of a team week in and week out.

"I'll come in and give my all. I want to show the supporters what I can do and come off the pitch knowing I've given everything for the team."

Straker came through the youth ranks at Crystal Palace and was an England Under-18 international at the time, before dropping a level to play for Aldershot Town.

After racking up 229 appearances, he then joined Southend United and enjoyed two busy seasons with the Shrimpers before moving on to York.

With Stevie Hammell and Zaine Francis-Angol both recovering from surgery, he will provide cover on the left-hand side of the pitch until the end of the current campaign.

Baraclough told the Motherwell website: "Anthony is someone who I have known for some time now and I am delighted to get him on board.

"He is versatile enough to play either at left-back or pushed on one at left midfield. He is full of energy, has got pace and a lot of experience being involved in promotion winning teams down south as well as playing international football.

"Most importantly, though, he is hungry to play and show what he can do. He's the type of character we need at the moment."

Meanwhile, Motherwell are expected to announce the loan signing of Nottingham Forest defender Louis Laing today.

The 21-year-old centre-half has recently been on loan at Notts County, but SportTimes understands he has been at Fir Park for a medical ahead of tomorrow's match against St Johnstone.