Motherwell skipper Stephen Craigan is confident he will not take charge of the club's Europa League opener as chairman John Boyle closes in on a new manager.

The Northern Ireland defender will take charge of training on Monday when the players return for pre-season. But Craigan does not expect to take the team for the first leg of the Europa League on July 2.

Craigan told BBC Radio Scotland. "I would expect and hope we would have a manager in place by the end of the week."

Boyle has been interviewing candidates to replace Mark McGhee, who departed for Aberdeen along with assistant Scott Leitch earlier this month.

Former international managers Steve Staunton and Lawrie Sanchez are thought to be in the frame while ex-Well pair Gary McAllister and Luc Nijholt have both expressed interest.

Craigan added: "They were talking about bringing in an experienced man but they realised it might only be for two or three days.

"I have spoken to the physio, we have something organised for training for the week and if it only lasts a day, then fine."

The 32-year-old, who completed the first part of his A licence coaching course this summer, added: "I'm in no position to manage a football club and tell players what to do. I still think I can play for another two or three years.

"I'm just there as a frontman until a new man comes in. When you've been at a club for 13 years, albeit over two spells, I'm more than happy to help out as much as I can."