Johansson primed for Fir Park bow - but are Well ready for Europe?

Speculation will not go away regarding the futures of Motherwell pair Elliot Watt (left) and Elijah Just (right) [SNS] Alfred Johansson will get his first introduction to the Motherwell support in Friday's friendly against Belgian side Genk, but Thursday marks a week until the first leg of their Conference League second-round qualifier against HB Torshavn. Excitement is building among the fans of the Fir Park club, yet there is also some concern bubbling away about the readiness of the Lanarkshire side as the start of their European campaign approaches. Two key players from the team that mesmerised the fanbase throughout last term have departed, with goalkeeper Calum Ward joining Queens Park Rangers and Callum Slattery departing for Sheffield Wednesday. No direct replacements have been signed for either yet, with forward Willy Vogt and centre-back Martin Moorman the only signings of the window so far. Meanwhile, speculation will not go away regarding the futures of Elliot Watt and Elijah Just, who returned for pre-season training last week following his excellent showings at the World Cup with New Zealand. Goalkeeper Matty Connelly, who played five times for Jens Berthel Askou last season, and teenager Olly Whyte, who excelled on loan at Stenhousemuir, could potentially fill the voids left by Ward and Slattery. However, fans harbour concerns that the team are heading into competitive action in a weaker state. Johansson praised a "very youthful" Motherwell side for their bravery in a 3-2 friendly defeat to Carlisle on Saturday. "The brand of football we want to stand for, we saw it, it was clear," he said. The Swede, who is following in the footsteps of a manager who delivered the most attractive football Motherwell fans have seen, noted the goals conceded but hailed "intense pressing moments" from a largely inexperienced team. Johansson says he is "absolutely" pleased with the progress of his players but referenced injuries within the group. Captain Paul McGinn remains out following an injury late last season, while striker Tawanda Maswanhise missed the pre-season training camp in Denmark with a facial issue. But supporters can look forward to the new duo of Moorman and Vogt being part of the side for Friday's challenging encounter with Genk. Underlying data suggests the pair could be eye-catching additions, while work is under way to add more faces to a squad fans will be desperate not to see picked apart.