Motherwell star Dean Cornelius on his Fir Park future as he hones in on 50th appearance

Dean Cornelius admits boss Stuart Kettlewell showing faith in him could sway the midfielder into extending his Motherwell stay beyond the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is one of a number of Fir Park stars out of contract this summer and is currently mulling over a new deal that has been put his way.

Cornelius hinted he felt his future lay elsewhere while Steven Hammell was in charge earlier in the season and he was left kicking his heels on the bench.

But having started all seven games so far since Kettlewell took over from Hammell two months ago, the boyhood 'Well fan says that has given him plenty to think about over the final few weeks of the season.

Ahead of today's clash with Dundee United, he said: "It is food for thought. I came from a position where I haven’t played as a regular since the start of the season but since the manager came in I have started in all of them.

“But I just want to focus on playing my football until the end of the season and trying to stay in the team and keep Motherwell climbing the table.

“We have had a few chats and there are a few things going on in the background but we both agreed we just want to focus on the games ahead and not get distracted.

“As a young player all I want to do is play football. That’s always been the dream.

“I don’t want to be sitting about just seeing out my career, I want to play as many games as possible.

“Since the manager has come in he has put his faith in me and it does make a massive difference.

“Since the manager has come in the change has been remarkable.

“He has managed to get us altogether again and the results have started to take care of themselves with a lot better performances."

Cornelius is closing in on his 50th appearance in claret and