Motherwell captain Keith Lasley believes the experience of Stephen McManus can be a significant advantage for the Fir Park side this season.

The former Celtic skipper, who has been capped 26 times for Scotland, was also wanted by Hibs but opted to sign for Stuart McCall's side.

Lasley is delighted with what he feels is a quality addition after a summer in which a clutch of players left Motherwell for pastures new.

The 33-year-old said: "Stephen has played at the very top and he is also a local lad who has a feel for the club. I think he's a brilliant addition for us.

"He has played for his country, he has Champions League experience with Celtic and he has also played down south so there is plenty that he will bring with him.

"As players it is always good to see new faces come in but our job at the minute is simply to make sure we are as sharp and as fit as we possibly can be for the season kicking off.

"We have lost some pretty influential players this summer but I am confident that we can continue the kind of form we have showed over the last few seasons.

"We have a great spirit about us, we've signed some good players and hopefully if we can hit the ground running when the campaign kicks off then we can find that momentum, because if you find yourself in a winning habit then it becomes commonplace to get used to winning and picking up points."

Meanwhile, Lasley maintains he has no intention of hanging up his boots any time soon.

The midfielder, who is expected to skipper Well in their friendly against Newcastle at Fir Park tonight, believes he is playing some of the best football of his career at the moment, and has every intention to go on as long as possible.

Having being put through his paces with another gruelling pre-season these past few weeks, he is confident he can start the season with a bang – and can remain a vital cog in the Motherwell midfield.

He said: "I've been asked about whether or not I am thinking of how long I've got left, but it hasn't crossed my mind at all.

"I feel as though I've put in some of my best and most consistent performances over the past few seasons and I think I am capable of continuing that for another wee while.

"They always say that you should play for as long as you can because you miss it as soon as you stop. There are guys like David Weir who played right up until they hit 40.

"With all the nutritional advice and sports scientists now, I think it is easier to keep going because footballers are fitter now than they have ever been. So long as the manager wants me here to do a job then I'm happy.

"I'm excited about the season ahead and the prospect of playing European football again.

"There is so much to look forward to and at the minute it is just about making sure we are as ready as we can be for the start of the season."

Meanwhile, Well face Newcastle tonight in a friendly at Fir Park (7pm). Tickets are adults £15, concessions £10 and juveniles £5.