Stephen Craigan has praised Motherwell manager Jim Gannon for putting his faith in youth - despite it costing him his place in the team.

The Motherwell club captain was not even on the bench for Saturday's 1-0 win over Hearts after scoring an own goal in the 3-0 Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat by St Mirren.

Craigan, one of the first names on Mark McGhee's teamsheet last season, has been in and out of the side under Gannon after 18-year-old centre-backs Shaun Hutchinson and Steven Saunders grabbed their chance.

And Craigan believes Scottish football would be better off if more managers had Gannon's philosophy, which has helped Motherwell to fourth in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

"When guys get opportunities they have to take them, whether you are a manager, player or a coach," Craigan said. "The guys have been great. There are absolutely no complaints from anyone at our club about how people have gone about their business.

"They work hard, the young guys, they are enthusiastic, they are fit. Credit to them. That's what we need in Scotland. There are too many managers not prepared to do it."