Stephen Craigan has praised Motherwell manager Jim Gannon for putting his faith in youth - despite it costing him his place in the team.

The Motherwell club captain was not even on the bench for Saturday's 1-0 win over Hearts after scoring an own goal in the 3-0 Co-operative Insurance Cup defeat by St Mirren.

Craigan, one of the first names on Mark McGhee's teamsheet last season, has been in and out of the side under Gannon after 18-year-old centre-backs Shaun Hutchinson and Steven Saunders grabbed their chance.

And Craigan believes Scottish football would be better off if more managers had Gannon's philosophy, which has helped Motherwell to fourth in the Clydesdale Bank Scottish Premier League.

"When guys get opportunities they have to take them, whether you are a manager, player or a coach," Craigan said.

"The guys have been great. There are absolutely no complaints from anyone at our club about how people have gone about their business.

"They work hard, the young guys, they are enthusiastic, they are fit. Credit to them.

"That's what we need in Scotland. There are too many managers not prepared to do it.

"We always complain about having such a small league and it puts pressure people not to play young players.

"But it just shows that sometimes you can put young players in and they do okay, so credit to them."

Craigan was philosophical when asked about his own difficulties in getting into the team, which had an average age of 21 against Hearts.

"That happens in football, you just get on with it," the 33-year-old said.

"What do you want me to do, give up and go home?

"That's what football is all about. You get ups and you get downs and I've played football long enough to know that."

Craigan joined Hamilton midfielder James McArthur in promoting the Scottish Poppy Appeal at Hamilton's Garden of Remembrance.

But rivalries will be resumed on Saturday when the Lanarkshire sides meet for the first time this season.

And Craigan believes Motherwell are in good shape following the victory over a Hearts side fresh from cup success against Celtic.

"We didn't play particularly well in the two St Mirren games," the Northern Ireland defender said.

"We completely changed our style of play from being a passing team to a route-one team. That's the difference in winning football matches.

"Hearts, to be honest, were very disappointing. I was surprised at Hearts, I thought they would be a lot better after Wednesday night's result.

"Maybe Wednesday night took a lot out of them and our guys had a little point to prove after Tuesday night.

"I think we were by far the better team and clearly deserved to win the game."