Motherwell star Stephen O'Donnell out to boost local spirits with strong season

Motherwell defender Stephen O'Donnell continues to be "staggered" by the impact a good season on the pitch has for the local community.

O'Donnell originally hails from nearby Wishaw and now lives in Motherwell and brightening up his neighbours' lives is a key aim as he goes into his latest William Hill Premiership campaign.

The 32-year-old, who made his 150th appearance during the Premier Sports Cup group stage, said: "I came in at a strange time through Covid and I've loved it. I've had some lows and spells where things haven't been going great.

"But the thing that hasn't changed the whole time is my passion and the care to help make this club better and hopefully be a part of that.

"That's what I hope to be this season, part of a positive season for Motherwell because I can see the impact it has on people around you. You can see just when any team does well, the positive impact that it has in the local area, it's staggering. It makes it easier for me walking about, when I'm not getting booed!

"But I think that's part of it as well, you're in amongst it. The shops you go to are all the local shops, so you're kind of just hoping that it's good hellos rather just, 'uh'. "The one, 'Why are you not playing?' isn't really good either because you're kind of going, 'Shut up!' But obviously if you're doing well, it's good to be about."

O'Donnell was given a double vote of confidence from manager Stuart Kettlewell in the summer with a new two-year contract followed by the vice-captaincy.

Speaking ahead of today's visit of Ross County, he said: "It's obviously nice to to be given it. It does tend to show a trust or at least a respect from a manager of my personality and my history here. It's nothing but a positive and hopefully I