Scotland U19 star Robert McHugh is the latest young talent to commit his long term future to the club by signing a contract extension till the summer of 2013.
McHugh broke into the Motherwell first-team two years ago, making his debut as a fresh-faced 16-year-old as a 76th minute substitute in the final game of the season against Hibs at Easter Road.
Now 18, McHugh has played a further 17 times, netting his debut goal against Flamurtari in the Europa League second qualifying round last July before grabbing his first domestic strike against Inverness in the League Cup two months later.
McHugh is the latest in a long line of talented youngsters who have committed their future to Fir Park; Jamie Murphy, Ross Forbes, Shaun Hutchinson, Jonathan Page, Steven Saunders, Peter Innes, Gary Smith, Jordan Halsman, Dario Quinn and Steven Lawless all having signing contract extensions in the last nine months.
Speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk, McHugh said, “I’m delighted to have signed the contract which gives me that little bit more security.
“Last season was reasonable for me – it was great to get my first goal and my first start and I want to try and build on that. There’s a lot of talent at Motherwell and it’s difficult to hold down a place but that’s my aim in the coming season.
“We’ve got a whole load of younger players who have committed their future to the club. This is a club with the philosophy that if you’re good enough, you’re old enough. For a younger player like me, there’s no better place to be.”