Motherwell defender Stephen Craigan says David Clarkson has inspired the squad in their battle to overcome the death of captain Phil O'Donnell.Striker Clarkson has had to cope with losing an uncle as well as a team-mate and friend.

O'Donnell's nephew had scored two goals in the game against Dundee United when the 35-year-old collapsed with heart failure on December 29.

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee urged his players to feel no guilt over enjoying their football following their skipper's death.

And Craigan revealed Clarkson's strength has been pivotal in their continuing quest for a UEFA Cup place, which continues on Saturday lunchtime against Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic, who were among O'Donnell's former clubs.

"Sometimes when we feel a little bit down, we all look at David Clarkson," the Northern Ireland defender said.

"If he can come into training and laugh and smile, and keep his emotions intact and enjoy himself, then there is no reason why we can't do it.

"I think that's where we have all taken our inspiration from, a member of the family being able to move on with things.

"He went from boy to a man back to a boy, I think! He is starting to annoy everyone in the dressing room again, which we are quite happy to go along with."

Despite the determination to move on, Craigan revealed the death of O'Donnell had been the biggest loss of his life.

"I have probably never lost anyone as close to me," the 31-year-old said. "I have been quite fortunate that I have all my family.

"It is probably the first person I have lost who I was in contact with every day.

"Phil and I weren't the best of friends - we didn't go to each other's house every night. But I never actually realised how big an impact he had on us until he wasn't here."

Motherwell players had one week off before getting back to football and have managed to remain in third place with five games left of their season.

"How we coped with it, I don't know," said Craigan, who was promoting a tribute match involving former Motherwell and Celtic players at Parkhead on May 25.

"We were probably thrown back into the football so quickly, which might have helped.

"I still remember the first game back, running out at Tynecastle with 4,000 Motherwell fans behind the goal, the massive jersey with 'O'Donnell 10' on the back.

"I don't think we appreciated what was going on, we were probably still numb. I don't remember much about the game."

Craigan, who is likely to be handed the armband on Saturday after Paul Quinn had his jaw broken in a nightclub attack, added: "It has been difficult but it has brought us closer together, it has probably made us a little bit more determined."

Celtic captain Stephen McManus is determined to be involved on Saturday at Fir Park despite suffering a calf injury against Rangers last Sunday.

"There's three games to go and you don't want to miss any," McManus said.

"I got a bang on my calf and it was just tightening up so it's just a strain I suppose."

More Football News from TEAMtalk