Stuart Kettlewell insists Liam Gordon is 'massive' for Motherwell and explains why he can get even better

Liam Gordon's CV might boast a stunning cup double as captain of St Johnstone - but Stuart Kettlewell insists his profile can get even better at Motherwell.

The Perth hero ended a nine-year love affair with his hometown Saints to join the Steelmen earlier this month. And while he’s unlikely to top that remarkable Hampden double from four seasons ago, Gordon has told his new boss that he wants to add new levels to his game at Fir Park.

Kettlewell moved swiftly to secure the 28-year-old defender after Bevis Mugabi moved on from Well under freedom of contract. And he insists Gordon, who started both the pre-season friendlies against FC Twente and DSVD Deurningen, has hit the ground running. Kettlewell said: “Liam’s an organiser, a leader and I believe a fantastic acquisition. We have to develop footballers but even at the age of 28 I have told Liam I still feel we can provide a platform for him to develop in so many other aspects.

“He agrees and I love that drive from an individual who has two major pieces of silverware as a St Johnstone captain and a really successful CV but still feels he can get better. It’s massive for us to get him in. He adds so much to our group.”

Gordon is one of nine signings at Fir Park already this summer. And Kettlewell revealed he had to work to sell the club to the former Hearts man who had other options. He said: “I wanted to bring in another centre back for a while. I knew to bring someone of Liam’s experience and quality would require a lot of groundwork and trying to sell Motherwell.

“We can’t offer fortunes. But I had to sell the vision of the club and where I believe we can go and that he becomes a huge part in that. An opportunity for someone who has been somewhere for a long time to experience something different - how you play, the environment, your team mates, all those different things.

“It’s safe to say Liam has bought into it. He has hit the ground running. Coming in and adding stability, aggression, he’s what I’d describe as an old-fashioned centre back who can dominate his penalty box and the opposition box.”

Youngsters Mark Ferrie, Luca Ross and Ewan Wilson were all handed starts in the 8-0 romp over Dutch minnows Deurningen while Wilson and Ferrie were also in the starting XI to face Twente. And Kettlewell is confident the Fir Park conveyor belt that produced Lennon Miller, Max Johnston and David Turnbull in recent years will continue to churn out stars of the future.

He said: “If you want to talk not only in my time at Motherwell but at Ross County, it's something really important to me. We had six 17-year-olds out with us on the trip. That gives you an indication on my thought process on player development.

“I do believe myself and Motherwell put their money where there mouth is when it comes to giving young players opportunities and trying to develop players across the board. A fair amount of interest in our players in the last couple of summer windows and some transfer fees last year. That is a possibility again this year so I think we are doing ok in it.”

Data released last week showed the Scottish Premiership lagging in 11th - even behind the English Premier League - across Europe’s top leagues for minutes played by players aged 21 or under last season. But Kettlewell said: “We have a clear vision of what we want to do but how much can I affect that? I can only affect it for my football club, I can't do it across the board for Scottish football.

“That is not a criticism as everybody has different priorities and a different way of working. But it's safe to say that's a pillar in our vision for this football club.”