Motherwell boss Craig Brown remains hopeful he can persuade Jim O'Brien to reject overtures from Aberdeen and remain at Fir Park. Brown is determined to hang on to the 22-year-old former Celtic player.

He said: "We will be disappointed if Jim O'Brien leaves. It is our intention to try to retain his services. We want Jim O'Brien to want to play for Motherwell.

"I hope he will see that Motherwell is worth playing for. He is a smashing player and two weeks ago he scored two great goals at Kilmarnock. He didn't score today but he was a creator.

"He is always a great man to get you up the pitch when you give him the ball. You just can't get it back from him."