Motherwell boss Graham Alexander says Celtic loanee Liam Shaw hasn't forced his way into the team yet because there are players ahead of him who are doing well.
The 20-year-old moved to Fir Park on a six-month loan deal earlier this month, having failed to earn a regular start at Parkhead after moving from Sheffield Wednesday last summer.
Boss Graham Alexander says it's nothing personal, but the midfielder will need to prove that he's worthy of a shirt.
It's possible that Shaw could make his first start against Hearts at Tynecastle this afternoon, but Alexander said: "Liam came to us fit and ready to play but we've been playing well and the players who have been in the team have been playing well.
"We make it clear to everyone who joins, whether it's permanent or a loan, that we always have competition and we believe in a merit-based environment. It's your performances that keep you in the team, and results.
"The team has done really well but they know that Liam Shaw is one of many good players who are competing to try and get in the team.
"It was important for Liam to see how we train, how we play, how we go about our business, before throwing him in at the deep end.
"I think we play in a certain way, it's important that every player understands their role in that profile, and once they do and they get the tactical side of it, it gives them a better chance of staying in the team."
Shaw was given a cameo for six minutes on Wednesday after replacing Jordan Roberts during the 0-0 draw with Hibs, and Alexander said: "It was good to get him on the pitch because he was desperate to do that.
"He has trained exceptionally well, but he has come into a group that is very competitive.
"They're all motivated to play in the team, which is great or me. It's what we're trying to create.
"We've got a great atmosphere in the changing room where they understand it if they're not playing, that there's a good player in front of them, and there's no disrespect there, which is important to me and the team."
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