STEVEN Hammell goes back so far with Keith Lasley that he remembers when his pal used to turn up at Fir Park for training with his overalls on. While the likes of Hammell and James McFadden completed what used to be called a YTS, Lasley made sure he had an apprenticeship as an electrician under his belt before embarking on a career in football.

As the veteran midfielder prepares for his testimonial match against Neil Lenon’s Bolton Wanderers today, it emerges that hints of this previous blue-collar existence still surface from time to time. Quite apart from his on-field work ethic, every now and then Lasley still shows off his electrician’s credentials as he walks through Fir Park inspecting the fixtures and fittings.

“I first came across Keith in about 1998 I suppose,” said Hammell. “So we go back a long way. We had served our YTS at the club and then Billy Davies brought him into a couple of reserve games.

“He was serving his apprenticeship as an electrician and he used to turn up still with his overalls on,” he added. “We used to think ‘who is this boy?’ But he served his time as an electrician and I think that helped him realise what a privileged position he was in as footballer. That kind of thing just doesn’t happen anymore.

“He still carries his wee Spark card and he’s always promising to fix things because so many things go wrong in here,” Hammell added. “I think he’ll need to take a refreshers course mind you because I don’t think I’ve ever seen him fix anything. He’s always threatening to go out and get his toolbox but the TV in the players’ lounge has been on the blink for weeks.”

Hammell and Lasley have been friends ever since, even when their respective careers took them to south coast outposts Southend and Plymouth respectively. Lasley is the kind of player that opposition fans love to hate but there is usually an in-built compliment in that. He is certainly held in huge regard at Fir Park and a bumper turn-out in today’s match is assured.

“Opposition fans love to hate him,” said Hammell. “When you look at other teams there is always one player that the opposition fans don’t get on with. For us, it’s probably Las. But when he’s in your team it’s great because he’s exactly the kind of player every successful side needs. He’s still one of the fittest players at the club and I think the fans appreciate that because he goes out and gives 110 per cent in every game he plays. He’s a real leader in the dressing room too.”

Lasley has run the whole gamut of emotion in his two spells at Fir Park. “He’s been through a helluva lot with Motherwell,” said Hammell. “We’ve had some good times, of course, but for the older ones like Keith, there have been some bad times too. He was here when the club went into administration and, of course, he was back at the club when we lost Phil O’Donnell.That affects you in a big way. Keith came through all of that and I think that’s why he really appreciates being at this club.

“He’s just a name you associate with Motherwell," Hammell added. "Phil was the captain and then Craggs [Stephen Craigan] after that. Keith picked up the mantle and he makes everyone feel welcome. It’s not always the case at some clubs because sometimes when a new player comes in there’s a fear he’s here to take your place – Motherwell is not like that. We’ve had that kind of mentality in the dressing room for a while and I think that’s a big part of why we’ve been so successful of late.”

The logical next step for this Mr Motherwell is a move onto the coaching staff, a process he is already embarking on. “He was excused a few games last year to go and spy on our opposition [ahead of the play-offs],” said Hammell. “He still managed to get back and see some of our game. I went through my badges with him and I can see a natural progression into coaching for him.”

First, though, is the small matter of getting through what is always a sentimental occasion. “I was very emotional on my testimonial and I don’t really remember much about it,” said Hammell. “You are running about daft organising tickets for people and I think I had a shocker, we were playing Everton. Maybe it’s best to come on for the last ten minutes. Your head is all over the place and it will be the same for Keith. But I’m sure he’ll enjoy his day.”