Gannon upbeat despite Europa loss

New Motherwell boss Jim Gannon saw cause for optimism despite a 1-0 defeat in his first match in charge to Llanelli in Europa League qualifying.

"We're disappointed at the result, but there were a lot of aspects I was happy with," Gannon told BBC Scotland.

"Most importantly the tie's not dead yet. We have to improve over the course of the week.

"I think there are some great young players here who are coachable, and who know how to play."

Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, Motherwell slumped to an ignominious reverse thanks to Llanelli defender Stuart Jones' 28th-minute header.

They now go to Parc y Scarlets in next Thursday knowing they must score or face elimination at the first qualifying hurdle.

And Gannon says the intervening days will be spent with European survival in mind.

"There's only so much you can do in a week, and the question is whether there's enough quality there to improve"

However, he hinted heavily that some of the squad at his disposal may not reach his standards, adding he aims to bring in five or six new players.

"We have to be better in both boxes, and that's where we'll concentrate in training.

"There's only so much you can do in a week, and the question is if there's enough quality there to improve.

"Young players will grow in time, but some players just can't improve. We'll try and get the best out of them and give a good account of ourselves down there.

"I'm just looking forward to having a right go and getting the goal. Then it's game on."

And the 40-year-old was unequivocal when asked whether he believed they can still turn the tie around.

"Of course we can, given the chances we created, through the full-backs and set-plays," said Gannon.

"We had three similar chances to what they scored from.

"But there are a lot of mitigating circumstances tonight too - players lost, the time schedule, the players we have at our disposal.

"I was pleased tonight, the kids were excellent, but what we have to do is make sure we have a good nucleus of solid professionals so that there's not too much responsibility placed on them."

Prior to Thursday's match in Airdrie, Motherwell had parted company with nine of last season's first-team squad.

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