Skipper Stephen Craigan will take charge of training as the players return from pre-season at managerless Motherwell. But the Northern Ireland defender is confident he will not take charge of the club's Europa League opener as chairman John Boyle closes in on a new boss.

Craigan told BBC Radio Scotland. "I would expect and hope we would have a manager in place by the end of the week.

"They were talking about bringing in an experienced man but they realised it might only be for two or three days.

"I have spoken to the physio, we have something organised for training for the week and if it only lasts a day, then fine."

The 32-year-old, who completed the first part of his A licence coaching course this summer, added: "I'm in no position to manage a football club and tell players what to do. I still think I can play for another two or three years.

"I'm just there as a frontman until a new man comes in. When you've been at a club for 13 years, albeit over two spells, I'm more than happy to help out as much as I can."