STUART McCALL admits this week will be the most important of Motherwell's pre-season.

The Lanarkshire side kick started their friendly schedule with a solid 0-0 draw at Doncaster on Saturday that was marred by a head knock to striker John Sutton.

Today McCall hopes to complete the re-signing of James McFadden and he has also not given up hope of snapping up ex-Celtic skipper Stephen McManus ahead of tomorrow's home tie to Newcastle.

Then on Friday Well will go unseeded into the hat for the Europa League third round qualifying draw.

And McCall said: "It is a very big week for us.

"We are hoping to complete a couple of important signings and also the Europa League draw.

"I hope we can get both James and big Mick tied up today and if we do that then on top of the signings of Iain Vigurs, Paul Lawson, Gunnar Nielsen and Fraser Kerr, that would be very pleasing.

"James showed just what type of quality he can add to the team in the second-half of last season and Stephen would give us experience and leadership at the heart of the backline.

"So if we can get these signings completed then we can hopefully get them involved against Newcastle tomorrow night and then we have the draw on Friday.

"As weeks go in pre-season this is about as important as there is."

McCall was also satisfied with his side's 0-0 draw at Doncaster, with the only negative being the head knock that forced Sutton off after 20 minutes and required stitches.

Despite the striker's early exit, however, the Fir Park club still managed to keep a clean sheet as new keeper Gunnar Nielsen got his first game between the sticks.

The Motherwell manager said: "Rovers had three games in the last week so they were a bit further down the road than us.

"But I was happy with the way we went about the game and with some of the football we played during it.

"Iain Vigurs came off with a tight groin but other than that we had four of the lads play the full game so it was a good workout.

"I'm pleased with the defensive shape, which we'll probably look at for the European games, and they were very comfortable.

"In the early part of the first half we looked threatening. Bob McHugh has pulled a great save from their keeper and Vigurs has hit the bar from way out.

"So other than the injury to John it was a solid start for us and one we will look to build on against Newcastle."