Stephen Frail says securing Lennon Miller on an extended deal has provided a huge boost for everybody at Motherwell – and he insists the teenage sensation is belying his years with his performances in claret and amber.

The 17-year-old signed on for an extra year, securing him to the Fir Park club until 2026, while he recovers from a broken patella, which will rule him out until the new year.

But having made 14 appearances so far, Frail is impressed by the maturity Miller has shown in a short time.

He said: “We’re delighted. Everybody’s thrilled that Lennon has decided to commit his future and sees his progression and development here at Motherwell.

“Lennon has come on leaps and bounds. I think everybody is aware of his talent, but I think what you don’t realise until you work with him is how well he reads the game.

“He looks like an old, experienced head on really young shoulders, and he shows maturity beyond his years in the way he reads the game and plays the game.

“You watch him in training every day, and he seems to get better and better.

“Hopefully we’ll see him in a Motherwell strip for the next few years, as he continues his progression.

“He’s a fantastic young player, but he’s a fantastic young man as well, and one that all the staff and players really enjoy working with.

“He’s out at the minute with the little injury that he’s got, but hopefully it’s not too long before he’s back in to the team.

“From a coach’s point of view, in terms of having that level of ability in your squad at such a young age, and being able to work with that level of player, we’re delighted.”

Securing Miller on a long-term contract also shows the Lanarkshire club have learned, after receiving significantly less for Max Johnston that they could have, when he joined Austrian giants Sturm Graz as a free agent.

And Frail says Miller’s success shows there is a pathway to the first team.

He added: “This signing means the club is protected.

“I think it’s a fantastic signing for everybody and it’s good news.

“I think it’s pleasing for everyone that he’s come through the system.

“The ripple effect of that is it shows other young players, or other ones that potentially we would look to bring in, that there is a pathway here to make it into the first-team.

“We’ve had Max Johnston and David Turnbull, so ones like that who have done well also.”

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