O'Brien feels Gannon can guide Motherwell to a successful season

Motherwell winger Jim O'Brien believes his team can clinch a top six place in the Scottish Premier League if they continue to progress under Jim Gannon.

The Steelmen are unbeaten in four games and O'Brien says the players are responding to the new boss's methods.

"We're playing really well and that can only be testament to the work he's doing," O'Brien told BBC Scotland.

"If we can keep building on what we've achieved so far, the top six is a realistic aim."

Gannon took over at Fir Park in the summer following the departure of Mark McGhee to SPL rivals Aberdeen.

After a sluggish start with a home defeat in Europa League qualifying by Llanelli, the Steelmen were eventually eliminated two rounds later by Romanian side Steaua Bucharest.

The Fir Park team have won one and drawn three matches so far in the league - including against champions Rangers on Saturday.

"Different managers have different thoughts about players and how to play," said O'Brien.

"The new boss has fine-tuned the team and he briefs you really well on the opposition, so I think that's been a factor in us doing so well.

"We're benefiting from that on the pitch, and the confidence in the dressing room is really high, just because of the way we are playing."

But the former Celtic man remains dissatisfied with results this term.

"We probably should have had a bit more out of the games, but it's better than being near the bottom of the table," he added.

"If we continue like this the top six is not within our reach.

"And if we get a few bodies in during the Januarys transfer window then, who knows, we can maybe start to aim higher."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version