Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell had heaped praise on defender Ricki Lamie for trying to push through the pain barrier last season.
But he says Japanese winger Riku Danzaki hasn’t done enough yet to merit inclusion in his team.
The Fir Park club went to some lengths to bring Danzaki to Fir Park from Consadole Sapporo in January, including getting him out of a loan deal with Brisbane Roar in Australia.
But he failed to hit the ground running and the 22-year-old only played four games in claret and amber.
That’s in stark contrast to Lamie, who made 29 appearances despite recently undergoing a hernia operation.
The Steelmen return for pre-season training today at Dalziel Park ahead of embarking on a week-long camp in the Netherlands from Saturday.
And Kettlewell said: “Ricki had been carrying a bit of a hernia problem for quite a period of time.
“We tried to get to the point where we were safe and I was trying to push the operation through.
“I need to pay testament to Ricki, because a lot of players would have wanted to get that operation done instantly.
“Ricki still felt he could offer us something, he was available, and I know he would want more game-time, but such has been the form of the guys at the back that it has been difficult to get into the team – but full marks!
“In the modern day, I sometimes think players are quite happy to miss training sessions and games, but Ricki didn't miss a single thing.
“I’m delighted to get him in [for the operation] that wee bit earlier, which will makes sure he’s fully up to speed for the new season."
Kettlewell says he wants to see more from Danzaki this summer if he is going to play a part next season.
He said: “It has been really hard to get Riku onto the park, there have been a number of issues, in terms of his fitness.
“He was brought here for a reason, but prior to that when he was fit, it was difficult for him to get into the team as well.
“It’s hard when it’s that change of culture and country, I acknowledge all these factors, but these things are all taken into consideration when there are decisions made on who plays.
“I’ve been very loyal to guys who have been fit and able to play for us on a Saturday, and that’s what I believe in.
“Riku, technically, you can understand why he was brought to the club for a particular style of play – but that has substantially changed, in terms of formation.
“I see it a completely different way, so that would probably let you acknowledge why it would be difficult for him at times to get in.”
Kettlewell added: “Quite simply when everybody was fit, I felt the guys that had been playing in his area of the park had been performing and showing a bit more.
“It hasn’t purely been down to injury – sometimes it’s that form and showing that you can add to what we’ve got.”
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