Thursday 28 January 2016 13:43, UK
Motherwell assistant manager Stephen Robinson says he has yet to hear from James McFadden over his plans for the future.
The 32-year-old forward returned to Fir Park for a third spell in December when he agreed a short-term contract with the Scottish Premiership side.
McFadden, who has been capped 48 times by Scotland, has ambitions to play in the United States, and the former Birmingham and Everton player is reportedly mulling over offers to join a Major Soccer League club.
Robinson said: "We're being guided by what Faddy is doing in America. He had ambitions to go there but while he remains here, he remains a part of what we are doing.
"He is a great help to the young boys and is a vastly experienced player who adds quality to the squad."
Meanwhile, Robinson has defended his side's decision to release four players this week, insisting it was part of the club's ongoing efforts to trim their squad.
Theo Robinson, Jake Taylor and Dan Twardzik have left while David Clarkson has been loaned to Championship side St Mirren.
The Lanarkshire club have already loaned out Craig Moore, Dylan Mackin and David Ferguson this season, and while the departures have reduced numbers, there may be more with Craig Reid and Jack Leitch struggling for game time.
"Our remit was to get players out before we got players in," said Robinson. "It frees up a bit of money to strengthen the squad.
"I don't think it's necessarily four out, four in. We are light in bodies in certain areas and that's what we are focusing on, for now as well as the summer.
"I believe it's better to have a tight-knit squad. Last year when I came here it was a big, big squad, I think there were 30-odd pros at one stage. It creates an environment where players are not happy because they aren't playing.
"It's a tight-knit squad now with some good older pros who look after the young boys coming through."
