Stuart Kettlewell was pleased with Filip Stuparevic's performance after the Serbian forward netted his first Motherwell goal in a 3-1 victory over Clyde on Saturday.
Coming off the bench, Stuparevic, who arrived on a two-year deal from Domzale this summer, showcased his skill with a well-placed finish to help secure an important three points in Premier Sports Cup Group G.
Despite still working on his fitness, Stuparevic has been eager to make a strong impression on the Motherwell fans - particularly with the pressure intensifying for someone to step up and deliver regular goals since Theo Bair's £1.6million transfer exit last week.
"We’ve actually been speaking to Filip, that he’s trying to impress and he’s trying to show that he’s a good player – we know he’s a good player – and every time he gets into that final third, it’s like he’s trying to strip the paint off the ball," Motherwell head coach, Kettlewell, explained.
“I thought he caressed that one really well into the side netting and he’s more than capable of that.
Read more:
- Hibs' League Cup hopes diminish after 'sloppy' defeat to Kelty Hearts
- Clyde 1 Motherwell 3: Instant reaction to the burning issues
“We are trying to get him fitter, trying to get him a little bit sharper and get him up to speed how we want to play. But I think it was a really good contribution.
“The first part is the work ethic and energy. Filip probably needed a little bit more work than several other players so, gradually, hopefully, you’ll start to see him getting up to speed and and showing us that type of quality he gave us with the third goal.”
Stuparevic has shown promise in a supporting forward role, and Kettlewell is eager to accelerate his development, especially in light of recent injuries to other key players.
Harry Paton left the match with an ankle issue, joining Sam Nicholson, Ross Callachan, and long-term injured Callum Slattery on the sidelines.
“He’s possibly just rocked his ankle,” Kettlewell suggested. “But fingers crossed it’s nothing too serious to add to what we’ve already got.”
Nicholson is expected to return to full training on Monday, while Callachan is targeting a comeback within the next week providing a boost ahead of the Scottish Premiership season kicking off in early August.
