Leitch and Strong weaken 'Well for Dundee clash

Motherwell manager Billy Davies has been hit by injuries to captain Scott Leitch and defender Greg Strong.

The duo are ruled out until the end of the season, which dents Motherwell's hopes of finishing as high as possible in the SPL.

The Fir Park boss had hoped to deliver a seventh-place finish in the final round of games to offer better financial reward for the club.

Leitch has a knee injury while former Bolton man Strong has a stomach tear. Both are ruled out of the trip to Dundee United and for the rest of the campaign.

But Davies insists that the situation will offer him the chance to assess his whole squad before the summer break - no matter who the opposition is.

"We don't want to risk aggravating their injuries by playing them so soon," said Davies.

"I would rather they rested and be fit for the break when they can catch up with training and get themselves fully fit for next season.

"We have to assess the staff we have but will only introduce players into the first team whom we believe are good enough to go and win matches, irrespective of who we are playing against and the situation with other teams.

"It is a case, first and foremost, of doing ourselves a favour and finishing as high up the League as we can. But the door is open for everyone to stake their claim for a place next season."

Moroccan international midfielder Said Chiba and Derek Townsley are carrying calf strains and are rated doubtful for the trip to Tannadice.

But defender Benito Kemble returns to the back four after a thigh strain which could prompt contract negotiations with the Dutchman's contract set to run out in the summer.

However, Davies believes that Kemble must prove his fitness before talks can begin.

"The more experienced players are tending to make full use of the Bosman situation by sitting back and waiting to see what comes up before going into serious talks with the clubs," said Davies.

"We will see how he gets on after his injuries and plays in the first team. Over the next few weeks we'll be taking a closer look at the situation."

Dundee United welcome back Charlie Miller and Jamie McCunnie after they missed the 2-1 defeat at St Mirren through international duty.

Craig Easton, Steven Thompson and Paul Robinson have all recovered from injury and will be fit for the crucial game.