Jack Leitch felt the pain of Motherwell's defeat against Hamilton as both fan and player - but he recognises the need to stay calm in the return Lanarkshire derby.

Both teams had a man sent off before Hamilton knocked Motherwell out of the League Cup on penalties amid an intense off-field atmosphere at New Douglas Park on Wednesday.

Motherwell have a quick chance to regain the local bragging rights in the Premiership today but Leitch, who has a number of friends in the Fir Park support, is determined not to get caught up in the atmosphere.

The 19-year-old, who converted in the shoot-out, said: "It was bitterly disappointing to go out against Hamilton and of course on penalties. But we just need to keep our heads and go into the game full of confidence looking for the win.

"It's not really about revenge. Of course it's a local derby and the fans want three points like we all do, but we need to keep our temperament. We need to leave Wednesday night behind."

Leitch has been with Motherwell for 10 years and has followed in his father Scott's footsteps by playing for his local team.

But now that he has achieved his boyhood dream, the midfielder is looking to push on and help bring success to the club.

"As a Motherwell fan, it's brilliant to say you have played for the club," he said. "But that's gone now. Last year that was what it was all about but now I'm settled, I'm in the first-team dressing room.

"The end of last season was amazing and I want to continue that."