Lukas Fadinger: I have confidence in Motherwell’s strength in depth

Lukas Fadinger is confident Motherwell’s strength in depth and understanding of their tactical principles will help compensate for the potential loss of central midfield partner Elliot Watt.

Watt is a doubt for Saturday’s William Hill Premiership clash with Hibernian at Easter Road after going off with a muscle issue in the latter stages of last weekend’s win over St Mirren.

Manager Jens Berthel Askou confirmed on Thursday the Steelmen were awaiting a full diagnosis of the extent of Watt’s injury.

The 25-year-old has been instrumental in Motherwell’s impressive results and performances this season, taking the ball off goalkeeper Calum Ward and defenders deep inside his half and playing in tight areas.

Watt and Fadinger have formed a hugely-effective partnership and have started all but three of Motherwell’s games together.

However, the club have won two and drawn one of the other matches and Watt’s likely replacement, Oscar Priestman, has now made 14 appearances and started in wins over Hibs and Celtic.

Fadinger said of Watt: “He’s been fantastic for us this season, as have many other players.

“But I think we already proved in previous games that it doesn’t really matter who is playing, we can perform with any squad or with any team that is playing on the weekend. So we are quite confident for the weekend.

“We do a lot of tactical stuff during the training sessions and we have a good, big squad and everyone deserves to play.

“And I think the most important thing is that our manager also gives us the confidence that everyone is needed and that everyone is strong enough to play.”

Fadinger believes it would be a seamless transition playing alongside Australian midfielder Priestman.

He added: “Of course, every player is different, but everyone trusts in Oscar, he’s a great player and, every time he plays, he’s done very well.

“There are a few things to adapt, but mostly I will look to do very well in my game and then I think we will connect very well.”

Motherwell travel to Easter Road with confidence after beating Hibs comfortably at Fir Park six weeks ago and losing just one goal in their last nine games.

But there is a realisation among the players that they need to maintain their top level of performance.

“We have to be on 100 per cent, every player, every single player and then I think we can beat everyone,” Fadinger said. “But if we are not on our 100 per cent, we can also lose against everyone.”