Elijah Just has hinted that he intends to stay at Motherwell next season, with the World Cup goal hero 'excited' by the chance to work with new Fir Park boss Alfred Johansson. The 26-year-old winger enjoyed a stellar debut season in Lanarkshire, registering seven goals and eight assists in 30 Premiership games to help Motherwell qualify for the Conference League with a fourth-place finish.
World Cup Heroics Boost Stock
Just has been linked with a move to league champions Celtic in recent months, and his stock has only risen higher thanks to his exploits at the World Cup. He scored both of New Zealand's goals in their 2-2 draw with Iran last week. Going into their final Group G clash against Belgium on Saturday, Darren Bazeley's team could seal a place in the last 32 with a shock victory.
Speaking to RNZ's Morning Report, Just said: "A lot of the boys, they've just started pre-season. We've got a new coach, so on that hand I'm also excited to head back and see what kind of changes are being brought in."
Motherwell's New Era Under Johansson
Motherwell moved quickly to appoint Rosenborg manager Alfred Johansson after Jens Berthel Askou moved onto Ligue 1 side Toulouse. Just expressed enthusiasm about the new direction: "We've got some exciting fixtures coming up to qualify for the Conference League."
The winger also acknowledged the club's support: "Motherwell have supported me and they are also proud and want to put me forward and I'm representing the club a little bit as the only member who's playing at the World Cup."
Just remains focused on helping his country achieve history but admits he is looking forward to returning to Scotland ahead of the new campaign. His comments suggest a commitment to Motherwell despite ongoing transfer speculation, offering a boost to fans eager to see him in claret and amber next season.
