Mark McGhee can lift Motherwell, says Keith Lasley

Lasley re-joined Motherwell in 2006 after starting his career with a five-year spell at Fir Park from 1999

Motherwell captain Keith Lasley hopes Mark McGhee can instigate a turnaround similar to his first spell as boss of the Steelmen.

McGhee, 58, who left Motherwell for Aberdeen in 2009, has returned for a second managerial stint at Fir Park.

"For me, it was some of the best football I've played in, that first year in 2007," said Lasley, 36.

"The way he turned around that squad and got us, ultimately, into Europe in the end was an eye-opener for me."

Lasley, also in his second spell at the club, is "really excited" to again be working with McGhee, who has previously managed Reading, Leicester, Wolves, Millwall, Brighton, Aberdeen and Bristol Rovers.

The Scotland assistant coach takes charge of a side ninth in the Scottish Premiership with 10 points from 10 games.

"His priority is about getting the group of players that is there turned around and going in the right direction," Lasley told BBC Radio Scotland's Sportsound.

"Hopefully, Mark will demonstrate what he did the last time when he came to the club.

"At that point, we had just finished second bottom. He instilled a belief that we were better than what we were showing along with some good work on the training ground and a set style of play.

"It really was enjoyable to play in and enjoyable to go along for that journey. I think he's got to be right up there when I look back at all the managers I've had. If not at the top of that list, he's certainly very near the top.

"Mark's done enough in the game both down south and up here to certainly merit his appointment.

"He's normally very calm. He can be a little more vocal when he has to be, I think everybody has to be. He's a very deep thinker on the game and that reflects the work I remember doing on the training pitch as well - very thorough.

"I remember him being very positive in the sense of playing attractive football and hopefully scoring some goals. I'm sure he'll try and do that again second time around."