Motherwell boss expects Lennon Miller to be in the frame to face St Mirren

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou insists Lennon Miller is preparing to face St Mirren amid continued transfer intrigue over the 18-year-old’s future.

Several Serie A clubs have been linked with the midfielder, who has attracted bids in January and the summer.

Bologna are the favourites to beat the likes of Fiorentina, Udinese and Torino to his signature, according to reports in Italy.

But the Scotland international continued to train with Motherwell on Thursday after recovering from a minor pre-season injury.

Askou said: “There’s nothing finalised, nothing registered, he’s still a Motherwell player and he’s preparing for the game on Saturday.

“He’s got a full week of training under his belt now, which he hasn’t had since he had his little injury and his little setback.

“That’s positive, so he looks ready, he looks fresh, and he looks sharp, as always. A fantastic football player, so we’re happy to have him back on the pitch.”

Motherwell had bad news on the injury front this week with loan striker Eseosa Sule going back to West Brom for treatment. Askou could not elaborate on the nature and extent of the 19-year-old’s fitness issue.

“We’re still in a period of assessing exactly how long and what’s the specific treatment that he needs,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a big blow for him and for us. I’m very sad on his behalf and on our behalf, because he was looking really good and we were really happy with the progress he’s made and the impression he’s made here in his first couple of weeks.”

The loss of Sule intensifies Motherwell’s need for attacking reinforcements, with Apostolos Stamatelopoulos the only experienced and fit centre-forward in the squad.

The Australian missed most of his first season at Fir Park through injury but got off the mark in the Premier Sports Cup after six months out and got into good positions in Saturday’s 1-1 draw against Rangers.

“He’s worked hard in pre-season and he’s looked good, he’s looked better and better,” Askou said.

“He’s come from a season where he had a lot of problems that set him back, but he’s really looked good. I’m pretty confident that if we keep him fit throughout the season, that he will be a very decisive player for us.”

Askou added: “Obviously we are one down, who is a specific nine, which means that the guys who are left will have to do the job until he’s back. We also have other players who can cover that position.”