Faddy could sign for 'Well for fifth time

Free agent McFadden (33) hasn’t played since breaking his ankle during training in March and McGhee is waiting to see how he is bearing up after undergoing an operation.

“James had an operation on Friday afternoon,” McGhee said.

“Tidying it up will need a little more time.

“The surgeons have done a little more work and they expect it to be fine and recover fully.

“Faddy has the stomach for it and will spend this summer recovering.”

Although McFadden started only two games for ’Well last season, McGhee said the former Everton and Scotland striker had played a crucial part in the Steelmen’s surge up the table from February onwards.

McFadden started in Motherwell’s crucial 3-0 Scottish Premiership victory at Dundee United on February 16 and set up the opening goal for relegation threatened ’Well by curling in a free-kick which Stephen McManus brilliantly headed home.

“That game at Tannadice was absolutely pivotal for us,” McGhee said.

“We decided to play McFadden in what was a really, really big league game.

“Although he didn’t play a big part last season, Faddy did brilliantly in that fixture at Dundee United.

“That was a turning point in the season.

“It sent United on a downward spiral but sent us in an upward direction.

“Sometimes a player’s contribution can be measured on 50 goals a season or on one goal.

“Faddy made a great contribution to make sure we were safe and finished strongly.”

McGhee also said that McFadden was a great character to have around Fir Park last season.

And the ’Well gaffer joked: “Faddy makes great coffee. He is the official barista!”

Time will tell if Faddy will wear the claret and amber strip again, but he will forever be a favourite with ’Well fans after four spells at the club which have yielded 35 goals in 106 appearances.