Monday 5 January 2015 19:15, UK
Motherwell have extended Mark O'Brien's loan spell until the end of the season as manager Ian Baraclough gears up for a busy month of transfer activity.
The 22-year-old Derby defender has made 14 appearances for the Steelmen since moving to the Scottish Premiership club in August.
Baraclough said: "He's a strong, aggressive centre-half who gives absolutely everything for the cause. He attacks the ball well in both boxes and we feel he can help up us over the next few weeks and months.
"January is likely to be a busy month. We've got to move some players on and get a (few) more fresh faces in. I expect my phone will be very busy indeed."
Meanwhile, Baraclough expects Stephen McManus to be cleared to face Dundee on Saturday after Motherwell challenged his dismissal against Aberdeen.
Referee Willie Collum dished out his third red card and fourth penalty of 2015 when he ruled McManus had deliberately handled a Jonny Hayes shot on the line in the latter stages of Sunday's Scottish Premiership contest.
Adam Rooney converted the spot-kick to seal a 2-0 away win for the league leaders but television footage showed the ball had hit McManus at shoulder height and an optimistic Motherwell wasted no time in submitting their appeal to the Scottish Football Association on Monday morning.
