Motherwell target extensions for loan duo as Stuart Kettlewell highlights where club have done 'VERY well'

Stuart Kettlewell is desperate to keep Blackburn duo Georgie Gent and Jack Vale at Motherwell after watching the Lancashire loanees light up Lanarkshire.

Gent struck his second goal for the Steelmen to spark Saturday’s stunning late fightback win at Dundee and the 20-year-old has flourished in the left midfield slot during his first taste of senior football. Striker Vale, 23, has netted three times in 10 appearances since moving north in January to help keep the top six dream alive.

And while Rovers have been keeping a close eye on both players’ progress in the Premiership, Kettlewell is preparing for talks he hopes could extend their stay beyond the summer. He said: "Without question, I want to keep as many good players I can. Utmost respect to Blackburn who have been fantastic with us. I would imagine that the guys at Blackburn now start to look at the success and they possibly have plans for them moving forward as well so there is always the respect from me.

“But do I want good football players at my football club? Of course I do. I want Jack Vales and Georgie Gents because I think everyone can see on a weekly basis that they bring so much to the party.”

Gent revealed at the weekend how the heartbreak of losing his dad just weeks into his loan move is spurring him on to reach the top. The former Manchester City kid hadn’t played a single minute of senior football before arriving at Fir Park. But Kettlewell reckons he’s shown maturity beyond his years to grab his chance.

He said: "He’s been great. It’s not been easy. I keep speaking about this first loan that you go into. He came here as what we felt would be a really good offensive left-sided player, real good quality, he’s done that.

"I think so many of his defensive