Mikael Mandron Motherwell future addressed as Stuart Kettlewell highlights duo he wants beyond summer

Stuart Kettlewell wants to get Mikael Mandron tied down beyond the summer after the French striker netted his first league goal for Motherwell on Saturday.

Mandron joined the Steelmen on a six-month deal in January before Steven Hammell was axed. Since returning from injury the 28-year-old has formed a deadly partnership with Kevin van Veen which has seen the Dutchman equal a top flight scoring record by netting in eight consecutive games.

Mandron and van Veen were both on target as Well dumped St Johnstone 2-0 in Perth on Saturday. And Kettlewell hopes both the Frenchman and fellow short-term signing Jon Obika are both still at Fir Park next season. He said: “The icing on the cake on Saturday was Mikael Mandron getting his first league goal for us. He has worked so hard to come back from injury and spends so much time on the pitch trying to become a better player. He is that focal point for us.

"Are Jon and Mikael in my thoughts for next season? Very much so. The two guys were set a task to come in on short-term deals. I didn’t bring either of them in Mika is getting himself up to full speed. Jon was terrific for four games when I came in and then he has had a hamstring problem.

“He is back on the pitch and looking stronger by the day. In the system we are playing and how we are playing, they add great value. Whether we can do something or not is subject to change. The two of them have been a joy to work with and two guys I have enjoyed having around the club. We will see what develops over the coming weeks.”

Kettlewell has won 23 points in 11 league games since replacing Hammell. It’s a remarkable turnaround given Well had only won 20 points from their previous 24 matches. He said: “The thing myself and the players are