Hutchinson replaced outward-bound Reynolds against Inverness

Stuart McCall had grounds for optimism after Shaun Hutchinson's display in Motherwell's draw with Inverness.

Hutchinson was a late replacement for Mark Reynolds, who is on the verge of a move to Sheffield Wednesday.

"The lad's not played football recently because the reserve side, with the conditions and the weather, have not had much football," said the manager.

"He's a little bit rusty and he made one or two little mistakes but overall, I was really pleased with him."

Hutchinson and his colleagues kept a clean sheet against the Highlanders on a wet afternoon at Fir Park.

"I'm delighted with the second-half performance," added McCall.

"In the first half, we started okay in tough conditions but then Inverness got the upper hand and were the stronger side in the first half, without a doubt.

"But I had a little word with the lads at half-time, demanded a bit more and I think they gave a lot more.

"The endeavour, the desire was there and we created a few good chances in the second half.

"It looked like young Ross Forbes had a tap-in and he didn't connect with it well.

"I thought we defended well, the keeper's played well for us."

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