Ex-Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is right about 'jabbed' players, says Well gaffer

Motherwell boss Graham Alexander says players' vaccination status will make a big difference as he looks for January signing targets.

Alexander has long said that the club have stringent protocols in place, and says he would like any new recruits to have had all three vaccinations before putting pen to paper.

While it wouldn't necessarily rule out any targets, the Fir Park boss says he would be more relaxed, and it will be part of the psychological profiling that he and his recruitment team will put players through.

Former Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has been quoted as saying vaccination status would influence his decisions on potential Aston Villa targets.

When asked about Gerrard's thoughts, Alexander said in a piece with the Sunday Mail: "'Influence' is the right word to use - he didn't say he wouldn't sign anyone if that was the case.

Alexander admits he would prefer potential signings to have had three vaccinations (SNS Group)

"For example, if Lionel Messi became available and he wasn't fully jabbed then I'm sure there would be a queue of clubs trying to sign him. That's the reality of the situation.

"But when we look to sign any player we take in as much information about him as we can; physical stats, technical stats, number of previous clubs, wage demands, etc.

"Vaccination status will now come into that at this stage, I'd think, especially for clubs working with smaller squads.

"That will be a factor in the final decision, and it could influence it, but I don't yet believe it will be the over-riding factor."

Alexander added: "Personally, I don't think that players who don't want to be vaccinated will change their minds just so that they can move to another club.

"I would like to think that most people try not to think about only themselves - especially those we work with - but it is a complicated situation.

"Experts come out with the information and it's up to the grown-ups to understand it and make an educated decision from it.

"But we would prefer everyone to be safe and not just for themselves but those around them as well, at work and at home."

Motherwell are prepared to move in the transfer window to boost their squad, regardless of whether striker Tony Watt's move to Dundee United happens this month or in the summer.

Alexander says he'll consider adding to his squad but says there isn't a lot wrong (SNS Group)

"We're currently asking ourselves where we need to get better and, personally, I think it will be difficult for us to improve the current squad, because we have very good players who have performed well this season," said Alexander.

"We're not in the business of changing things just for the sake of it, but we have to be ready to react if anything happens to one or more of our players, while keeping our eyes open for people who could improve us, even if that's just by two per cent.

"Fortunately we're not in need of major investment or a radical overhaul. That's not the scenario, it's just tweaking things here and there..

"If we do bring anyone in, hopefully it's to improve the starting XI and not just to add to the numbers."

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