Motherwell boss Ian Baraclough is hoping an injury reprieve can fire his players up the Scottish Premiership table.

Steven Hammell and Craig Moore - who have barely played a game between them this season - returned to training this week ahead of Saturday's visit of Partick Thistle.

Simon Ramsden will be available after suspension and Baraclough will be hoping the likes of Paul Lawson and Bob McHugh soon join him back in the squad.

Baraclough, whose first game ended in a 1-0 win at St Mirren, said: "We had five under-20s on the bench and one starting on Saturday. You would like to see more senior players coming back for competition for places and options on the bench.

"It's great for the under-20s' education to be involved but at times you need more senior players as well.

"The likes of Stevie Hammell coming back to training, and Craig Moore trained the last two days as well, although he felt a bit of a niggle so we won't rush him back.

"Adam Cummins is coming back from his loan spell at Ayr, and it all helps with the way we train. I want competition. I want Adam to think that he can catch the manager's eye and get in the team.

"I want Stevie Hammell put under pressure and not thinking he is a shoe-in to start again. You need competition to drive players forward."