Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell admits Sturm Graz-bound defender Max Johnston is a "huge loss" and says the club will work hard to secure future star youngsters.
Johnston, 19, is believed to be close to signing for the Austrian giants, with Motherwell only receiving a a development fee. They won't receive add-ons or future transfer windfalls.
Johnston is one of several players moving on this summer after rejecting a new contract offer at Fir Park and Kettlewell is keen to ensure that other youngsters like Lennon Miller are tied down.
Kettlewell admits Johnston caught people's attention with some great displays on loan at Cove Rangers in the Scottish Championship, where he was sent without being secured on a new deal.
Johnston returned in January and impressed in the Premiership with some sterling performances that saw him score three spectacular goals.
He is reportedly close to signing a contract with Austrian Bundesliga runners-up Graz.
Kettlewell told BBC Sportsound: "He was lighting things up at Cove Rangers.
"The English clubs do it very well - they don't let their young talent out on loan until they have signed new deals and they protect their football club, their investment and time spent with them.
"We didn't do that with Max Johnston.
"We knew this situation was going to come. Max becomes a huge loss, but I wish him nothing but the best in the future.
"Terrific young man, really understands where he wants to go in his career, fully dedicated."
Kettlewell has already said they're without six of last season's first-team while defender Callum Butcher is also crocked and will miss the start of the season.
He said: "There is also a deficit from bringing 11 players in during January. For me to bring players in, I'm probably going to have to move players out."
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