Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Ben Banks

Motherwell star's Dundee pre-contract signing confirmed as boss provides Joe Efford update after Hearts loss

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander says new signing Joe Efford has a work permit interview to complete as he gears up for Fir Park life - with defender Ricki Lamie off to Dundee in the summer.

The American was added to the Fir Park squad before his new team went down 2-0 losers at third-placed Hearts.

Andy Halliday scored in the first half before Ellis Simms doubled the Jambos' lead off the back of two 'Well mistakes.

Fifth-placed Hibs' defeat to Livingston means Alexander's side remain fourth in the Premiership ahead of facing St Mirren on Tuesday.

25-year-old forward Efford joins from Belgian side Waasland-Beveren for an undisclosed fee. He is awaiting a working visa, although the club say a governing body endorsement has been awarded.

Alexander said: "I think Joe has an interview to do with the work permit on Sunday. Everything else is sorted. His contract, his medical, that's all fine.

"Hopefully we get clearance for him then as he will come straight into the squad. He's a good player but he's not been with us. We need to get him up to speed on how we play.

"He can play off both sides, he's quick and he can get a goal. So it's good to have him onboard."

Motherwell signing Joe Efford (Motherwell fc)

Defender Lamie meanwhile has signed a pre-contract with Dundee. Alexander doesn't know whether or not there will be any more comings or outgoings before Monday's transfer deadline.

He explained: "I am not sure. I have jumped in before with ins and outs and something has changed. I think we have to be ready to act if anything happens with our players.

"We are happy with where our squad is at. I think everyone has a part to play between now and the end of the season. So the plan is to keep everybody onboard.

"I think Ricki's pre-contract happened last night (Friday). I spoke to Ricki yesterday afternoon but I still see him as an important player between now and the end of the season.

"He's a good character and a good player. He's still part of our squad so I don't see any reason why we have to lose him before the end of the season."

Alexander was disappointed with the manner in which Motherwell conceded their goals at Hearts, but insists the overall performance wasn't all bad.

The 'Well boss added: "I thought we played really well. We passed the ball purposefully and pressed Hearts. Their goal came against the run of play but we had a hand in that.

"I thought we should have dealt with it better and we were severely punished. We had a couple of great opportunities before half-time to find the leveller, which would have been a just reward.

"We couldn't find that finishing touch and then the second goal was similar as well. We should have made a better decision and were punished for it again.

"The clinical side of Hearts on those two attacks was the difference in the game as I thought we played some really good stuff."

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.