Rangers v Motherwell: Stephen O'Donnell hails boss Stuart Kettlewell a revelation

Motherwell wing-back Stephen O'Donnell feels trust and clarity has been a major part of their success under Stuart Kettlewell.

O'Donnell is enjoying a new lease of life under Kettlewell having regained his place in the team towards the end of last season.

The Scotland international, capped 26 times by his country, went from being club captain under Graham Alexander to being ostracised by the same manager.

The signing of Paul McGinn and then emergence of Max Johnston ensured his spell on the sidelines continued beyond Alexander's exit two games into last season, although he did make 28 appearances, 15 of them from the start.

But he has been ever-present this season and the team have only lost to St Mirren so far.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's trip to face Rangers at Ibrox, the 31-year-old said: "It was nice to be involved straight away for pre-season. I came back fit, I know it's a big season for myself, it's been a difficult couple of seasons.

"I am delighted to be back in. The manager has shown a trust in players, if they do well for him, they will stay in. I must take from that that he is happy with how I'm doing.

"Collectively we are very organised and if you mix that with the quality we have got in the forward areas, you see some lovely combinations and we just look to continue that.

"It was disappointing at the weekend (against St Mirren), but I thought we showed some really good stuff. Frustrating that didn't lead to a win."

O'Donnell last played for Scotland in March 2022, but was soon banished from the first-team reckoning by Alexander, although the manager was the one who would soon be leaving.

"It's just tough not playing," he said. "Every player in the world has gone through spells of not playing and I went