MOTHERWELL will begin their European campaign next week with a squad which includes just 12 recognised first-team outfield players.

The Fir Park club, who hope to name their new manager before the first leg of the Europa League first qualifying round tie against Welsh side Llanelli next Thursday night, had to formally lodge their 24-man squad with Uefa.

Having lost six of the players who were first-team regulars under Mark McGhee last season, Well were left with no option but to supplement the European squad with 10 members of their under-19 team.

Goalkeeper Graeme Smith, defenders Brian McLean and Bob Malcolm, midfielders Stephen Hughes and Maros Klimpl and striker Cillian Sheridan are all either out of contract or have left after completing loan spells.

As it stands, the side which will face Llanelli at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie all but picks itself.

Goalkeeper Michael Fraser, who has joined the club on a free transfer from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, is certain to make his debut in the match.

Goalkeeping coach Colin Meldrum, who has not played a first- team match in two years, has been listed as Fraser's back-up along with untested 19-year-old Polish keeper Sebastian Kosiorowski.