Gannon unhappy with McGhee

Jim Gannon has criticised his predecessor as Motherwell manager, Mark McGhee, over speculation that Aberdeen will move for Fir Park winger Jim O'Brien.

McGhee publicly admitted O'Brien was a player who fitted his transfer target criteria after a report claimed the Pittodrie boss would offer him a pre-contract in the new year.

"I think it's symptomatic of the poor practice there might be up here, either from the journalist speculating or the manager feeding the journalist," Gannon said.

O'Brien, who McGhee signed from Celtic, is out of contract at the end of the season.

And Gannon claims it is an unwelcome interference ahead of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League meeting between the teams at Fir Park on Saturday.

He added:"I think it's inappropriate for any manager to comment on our players when they are under contract, regardless of the contract situation at the end of the season.

"The players have the right to speak to other clubs from January 1, but not now, and I think it's an undue distraction. Maybe that's what they are trying to achieve.

"I've spoken to Jim, we are both exactly clear on where we both stand and how we get through this period and what we want to achieve in the long term.

"I think Jim will be very focused come Saturday and I think he is looking forward to having a good game against Aberdeen."