Motherwell manager Stuart McCall delighted by youngster Moore

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall has praised the goalscoring league debut of young striker Craig Moore.

The Lanarkshire side came from behind to beat bottom side Hearts 2-1 thanks to Shaun Hutchinson's late goal.

But Moore's equaliser, seconds after coming off the bench, brought praise from his manager.

"He deserved his chance because he went on loan last season and scored seven goals and he has done really well this season," said McCall.

The 19-year-old enjoyed a prolific loan spell at Cowdenbeath last season and is forcing himself into his manager's first-team thoughts.

"He has had to bide his time because John Sutton and Henri Anier have formed a great partnership and Bob McHugh has done well when asked," said McCall.

"Wee Moorey is knocking on the door to be involved.

"He's got a great appetite for football and gives it all he's got. And I was so pleased for him and his family that his first touch in league football ended up in the net."

However, despite emerging with all three points, the Motherwell boss admitted the match hadn't gone to his game plan.

"I emphasised today to get the first goal against what is a young side and it might deflate them," he said.

"But I thought first half it was equal - I don't think we got a corner first half. They were very energetic and spirited."

However, McCall was pleased with a different performance in the second period.

"I thought we started the second half very well," he said. "We forced four or five corners, good saves, kicks off the line.

"And then, as happens in football, they break away and score on the counter-attack.

"But, I think, over the piece, we deserved to win with that second-half performance."