Gannon targets January clear-out

Jim Gannon has told underperforming players to leave in January as he and Lukas Jutkiewicz picked up awards for Motherwell's fine October form.

Gannon was named Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League manager of the month, while 20-year-old striker Jutkiewicz won the young player award.

"We've got a lot of players in the squad who are perhaps not earning their money," said Gannon.

Club captain Stephen Craigan, for one, was dropped from the squad on Saturday.

The Northern Ireland international has been in and out of the starting line-up this season before missing the 1-0 win over Hearts.

Gannon picked out youngsters Shaun Hutchinson and Steven Saunders, who formed the central defence in Craigan's absence, for particular praise after the Scottish Premier League victory.

"Lukas has really contributed so far and it would be great to have him here for the rest of the season"

And, while the manager would not name who he would like to see move on in January, he said: "I think you just need to look at the team sheet."

Midfielder Keith Lasley is another experienced player who has not featured in the starting line-up much this season and was on the bench against Hearts.

Gannon - whose side sit fourth and were unbeaten in the SPL last month, including a draw away to leaders - wants players to leave in January to free up money to bring in new talent.

But one player the Motherwell manager does not want to see leaving Fir Park is the SPL's young player of the month.

Jutkiewicz, on-loan from Everton until January, has scored three goals this season, including a double against St Mirren and the winner over Falkirk.

"We'd obviously like to keep hold of the quality boys we have," said Gannon.

"Lukas has really contributed so far and it would be great to have him here for the rest of the season, but it's out of our hands at this stage".

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