Motherwell defender says there's more to come from his side after cup win

Motherwell defender Stephen O’Donnell says there’s more to come from his side as they fine-tune their side ahead of the Premiership kick-off on August 3.

O’Donnell, 32, says while it’s competitive, the Premier Sports Cup games will give the Steelmen a chance to better gel together, having brought in 10 new signings this summer.

Stuart Kettlewell’s side went some way towards that with a 3-0 home win over League Two side Edinburgh City in their Group G opener on Saturday, with goals from Kofi Balmer, Dan Casey and O’Donnell.

That sets Motherwell up for trips to Montrose on Tuesday and Clyde on Saturday before wrapping up their group at home to Partick Thistle on July 28.

“Six points [from Montrose and Clyde this week] is the aim, and I think we’re more than capable of getting it,” said O’Donnell, “but ideally we would be a bit better than we were in the first half.

“Even at times in the second half, I think there’s a lot more to come from this team.

“When you come into these early games, as heavy favourites, and having made a lot of changes in the summer, it’s good to get the win.

“Wins make it easier to buy time to settle together and really start to build a wee bit of momentum for the start of the season.

“I thought we were patient, we could be a wee bit better and tidier on the ball but whenever you come up against teams that are well organised – and Edinburgh City very much were – you need to have that chemistry, that togetherness, and we’ve maybe not quite got that yet, with it being so early in the season.

“As well as being a competitive tournament it’s about fine tuning. What can be difficult sometimes is trying to get that fine tuning when you’re already in the season.

“You’re looking to maybe do that in a few more