Harry Paton declared Motherwell asset by Stuart Kettlewell after Canada call as boss warns against Livingston excuses

Stuart Kettlewell insists Harry Paton’s Canada call-up proves he’s a huge asset for Motherwell - despite being without a club for the majority of last season.

The 25-year-old midfielder was included in Mauro Biello’s squad yesterday and could win his first cap in a friendly against Japan later this month. Yet before signing for Well in April the playmaker spent nine months back home in Ontario without a club and training with Toronto after leaving Ross County. However, Well boss Kettlewell - who signed Paton as a teenager at County five years ago - insists he’s well worth the cap call.

He said: “I’m not surprised at all. I have worked with Harry for a number of years and when I brought him in I just thought he needed an opportunity to fly. Sometimes he tries too hard towards trying to stay in a team and get back in the Canada squad. Sometimes it’s just about relaxing a bit and believing in your talent which undoubtedly he has. This is the most consistent I’ve seen him. It feels like he has a real good understanding of what his role is here.

“Hopefully he’s rewarded by picking up a cap with Canada. I’m delighted for him that people are now seeing the best version of him.

“I know Harry went back over to Canada. He was in training (with Toronto) and I think it became an easy one for me because I knew what he could bring to the party. When I offered him the opportunity he jumped at it. We talk about assets at a club and he firmly comes into that category. It was a bit of a no brainer for me.

“I remember watching him on his first day in training at Ross County as an 18-year-old when we first took him in from Hearts and I was blown away by the traits he had as a centre midfielder.

“It’s always been a case of working towards