MOTHERWELL manager Stephen Robinson was sad to see James Scott leaving Fir Park for Hull City yesterday, but he hopes the sensational £1.5m move will act as an advert for his club’s youth development system.

The 19-year-old forward agreed personal terms on a move to the English Championship club last night after Motherwell accepted a vastly improved offer on the one they rejected from Hull on Thursday.

Robinson had hoped that Scott would continue his development at Fir Park, but understands the club could not turn down such a sum or indeed deny the player the chance of a life-changing contract.

He knows though that losing Scott may result in Motherwell gaining other talented kids down the line.

“It’s credit to everyone who works here and the staff that have developed him,” Robinson said. “If I’m a young player or I’m a parent, then Motherwell Football Club is the place I’m going to.

“I think we do it better than anyone else in Scotland, and they get opportunities. We’re brave at people putting in.

“If I’m a parent, I want my child playing for Motherwell, because they will get in the team if they’re good enough.

“If they’re not in the team, they’re obviously not good enough or they’re not doing it at this moment in time.

“Credit to James, he’s another good young player that we’ve developed.

“That’s what the football club is, that’s our policy and I’m not complaining. I took the job and it doesn’t change because we’re third.

“We’re still at the mercy of what we can pay people and if you pay in the hundreds of pounds and someone comes in with life-changing money, then we go again.

“We recycle and go again and that’s why the board are patient with me. They believe in what me and the staff do, and we have sticky periods because we do that.

“We’ll continue to do it, and it’s certainly a challenge, but it’s something I’m used to.”

Meanwhile, the usual opposition analysis may not have been necessary for the Motherwell players this week ahead of today’s visit to face Livingston, because according to Jake Carroll, his teammate Declan Gallagher never stops talking about them.

In fact, such is Gallagher’s obvious fondness for his old team, Carroll wouldn’t be surprised if his bedroom is adorned with posters of his favourite Livi players.

On a more serious note, Carroll is hoping that Gallagher’s insights may prove to be a crucial factor that will tip what is sure to be a tight encounter in Motherwell’s favour at the Toni Macaroni Arena.

“Big Declan knows a lot about Livingston – he never shuts up about them,” Carroll said.

“I think he has a poster of them in his bedroom because he absolutely loves that club. He’s grateful to them for giving him the chance to get back into football and put his career back on track.

“He was excellent for them last season and he’s come here and kicked on again. He deservedly got his chance with Scotland and he’s looking forward to being involved with them again.”