Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou welcomes new levels in training as Elijah Just, Tom Sparrow and Callum Hendry return

Motherwell boss Jens Berthel Askou has welcomed a new level in his squad’s training as three more players became available after recovering from injury.

Elijah Just, Tom Sparrow and Callum Hendry are all back in contention ahead of Saturday’s match against Falkirk, with Callum Slattery also close to a return.

That’s meant more competition for places, and the Motherwell boss has welcomed the effect.

“It’s just raised the level of the intensity and the quality that we’re able to produce in training sessions,” he said. “They look really, really eager and really hungry, so it’s great to have them back.

“A lot of good players out there competing and lifting the level, which is extremely positive.

“We’ve been waiting for a couple of weeks, so good times.”

Saturday’s match at Fir Park is the first of three Premiership games before the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against St Mirren.

Askou insists it’s too early for the date at Hampden to be in his thoughts but he welcomed news that the club has already sold 7000 tickets for the clash at the national stadium.

“We’ll probably sell quite a few more, which is amazing,” he said.

“A lot of people are looking forward to that, we’re focusing on the next job that’s on Saturday.

“Obviously, we know it’s in the calendar, but we’re not spending that much energy on it now; it’s up to you guys and our fans and our staff around, the first team, and we’ll get to that when we’re there.”