Fitzpatrick has played 136 matches for the Fir Park club

Motherwell midfielder Marc Fitzpatrick has signed a short-term contract extension with the Lanarkshire club.

The 24-year-old has been awarded a deal until Christmas after missing most of last season through injury.

As a result, Motherwell manager Craig Brown feels he needs to give Fitzpatrick an opportunity to prove his worth to the team.

"Marc had a horrible time with injuries last season; he was really unlucky," Brown told the club's official website.

Brown was also pleased to add another experienced player to his squad for next season.

Hopefully I'll do enough to have the contract extended beyond Christmas Motherwell midfielder Marc Fitzpatrick

"He's a former Scotland U-21 international who has played 136 games for Motherwell, including European football, so we know he is capable," said the manager.

"But, with him suffering so badly last year, we never had an opportunity to get a proper look at him which we will do now."

Fitzpatrick, who suffered a hip injury and hamstring tear in the last campaign, said he was delighted to have agreed terms with the club.

"Obviously I am delighted to have signed the contract to stay at Motherwell," he said.

"I've been here a long, long time and built up a real feeling for the club.

"Ideally, it would have been for a little longer. But, in saying that, I understand the situation. I was out of contract at the end of this month, so I am thankful I have something sorted.

"I will now work through the whole summer with the aim of getting as fit as I can be when we return for pre-season training.

"If I can do that, hopefully I'll do enough to have the contract extended beyond Christmas."

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