Motherwell player fighting for his future as he explains Queen of the South loan after injury frustration

Motherwell defender Darragh O'Connor says his loan move to Queen of the South is all about earning his next contract - whether that's at Fir Park or elsewhere.

The Irish centre-back joined Graham Alexander's side last summer from Leicester City and despite performing well in the Premier Sports Cup group stages, only mustered one Premiership appearance in the first half of this season.

Injuries played their part and after his fitness return, O'Connor had a chat with Alexander over a loan move, opting to swap Premiership football for Championship strugglers Queen of the South.

The Palmerston side have just lost manager Allan Johnston as they look to preserve their status in Scotland's second tier, seven points from safety and four off the relegation play-off spot.

O'Connor is out of contract in the summer and he hopes to prove he is able to become a Motherwell regular. If not, he hopes others take note of him.

He said: "I got a 12-month contract at Motherwell so that is me into the final six months of that. I'm playing for a contract right now, whether that's at Motherwell or somewhere in England.

"It might be at another Premiership or Championship side. That's the way I am looking at it. I want to play as many games as possible to show Motherwell I deserve a new contract.

"Then if there are other teams interested, that's just a bonus for me."

It's not glamourous, but having already experienced senior football back in Ireland with Wexford, O'Connor is happy to be involved in the rough and tumble of a relegation fight in Dumfries.

He explained: "I spoke to the gaffer (Alexander) in November and said I want to play for Motherwell. But if I am not, I asked to get out on loan for games.

"He said to reassess in January. I