Motherwell first team will really benefit from Reserve League return, says boss Steven Hammell

Steven Hammell is delighted the SPFL Reserve League has returned this season and admits he will be using it to his advantage to keep his entire first-team squad in top shape.

The Steelmen played their first reserve match of the new season earlier this month when they eased past Queen's Park 4-0 at Fir Park.

That allowed Louis Moult to get his first minutes under his belt since arriving on loan from Burton Albion and help him get up to speed for today's Premiership visit of Hearts.

The deadline day signing wasn't the only first team star to benefit from a run-out and Hammell admits it is likely the reserve team this term will regularly feature first-team players to help bring on the younger ones at the club.

Hammell said: "We had quite an experienced team out for that [Queen's Park] game.

"It was so important the likes of Louis Moult, Stuart McKinstry, Rolando Aarons got time. Bevis Mugabi hasn't played in a couple of weeks, Stephen O'Donnell as well.

"These boys are coming to me saying they want to play in these games so I think that shows you where the players are at and what the culture is like in the group.

"They want to play, they see the way we want to play and they need to be ready to step in when ready.

"We can't have players going two or three weeks without playing.

"So it's not a punishment playing for the reserve team.

"What I would say is we had three or four 16/17 year olds playing next to these guys so they are going to learn and develop.

"This is going to bring their progression on so much more.

"They [first team players] are doing it for selfish reasons to get their fitness up but, without even knowing it, they are bringing on the boys around them and that will show the levels they need to get to to