Jim Gannon, whose Motherwell side could book a Europa League tie with Steaua Bucharest if they overhaul a 1-0 deficit against Flamurtari tonight, has defended his club's handling of their two latest signings.

Gannon made his third capture as Motherwell manager on Tuesday when he secured the services of midfielder Giles Coke after a free transfer from English League One club Northampton Town on a one-year contract. However, the move has angered Coke's former club who claimed that the 23-year-old player had agreed to sign a new contract with them and had accepted terms in an email sent by his representative.

The English club are now seeking compensation.

In addition, winger Chris Humphreys, who could line up for Gannon's team against their Albanian rivals at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie this evening, has also upset his old employers Shrewsbury Town by moving to Scotland. Yet, Gannon is comfortable that Motherwell, who landed striker Chris Porter from Oldham for nothing in similar controversial circumstances two years ago before selling him to Derby, have acted correctly in both instances and are not due to pay fees.

Asked about Coke, he said: "As far as I understand it, the player had been offered terms of re-engagement by Northampton which he didn't accept. Given his age, he was available on an international free transfer.

"If there is something else involved then we'll have to look at the situation and discuss things with Northampton. But as far as we're aware he was out of contract and available on a free cross-border move.

"If the player was out of contract, I'm sure there's a situation where we could sign him. But it's important for the player and both clubs that we're doing the right thing. I think we always take legal advice."

He added: "We had the same problem with Chris Humphreys, given his age and the manner in which he was offered his terms of re-engagement. Shrewsbury did everything correct by the FA rules which they felt would ensure they'd get compensation.

"But the rules for FIFA in international rules is slightly different. It's natural our clubs should always do things correctly by the rules whether that be legal or FA/FIFA rules. But it's also important Shrewsbury and Northampton make sure they're acting upon correct information."

Gannon, who has a full squad of fit players to choose from for his side's Europa League second qualifying round, second leg game with Flamurtari tonight, hopes the involvement of Humphreys will help his side secure what would be a huge win.

A glamorous showdown with former European Cup winners Steaua is a distinct possibility should both sides prevail this evening. The Romanian club leads 2-0 against Ujpest - the Hungarian club now managed by former Celtic player and coach Willie McStay - heading into the their second round tie.

"We were delighted to have Chris registered in time for this game as a wild card," said Gannon. "He has settled in, has had a few days training and has become part of the squad. Every player's going to be vital. Any player who has a cutting edge, who can show the skills and quality to score will be vital and any player who can put his head in the way of set plays is important.

"What you're constantly looking for are players who can improve the team and I'd like to think Chris will do that. He'll give us a different dimension."

Meanwhile, Gannon, who inherited a threadbare squad earlier this month and has had to rely heavily on kids, has revealed he is hoping to make more new signings in the coming days.

He confirmed: "These things don't happen overnight. You have to meet them, they have to meet you. They have to see the club. We have to overhaul the squad and improve it.

We want players who can have an impact straight away. We also want players with the potential to grow and become really good players over the next couple of seasons."

Jim O'Brien, the Fir Park winger, has welcomed the arrival of Humphreys' and those of the other new players.

He said: "The manager has brought Chris in which is good competition for me. Paul Slane has been absolutely brilliant for us, too. There are some trialists in as well which is healthy for us. Chris looks really sharp. He's a great addition to the squad.

"We still should have had enough to beat Flamurtari last week. The heat wasn't an excuse. If they want to come out and say they'd have beaten us none the less then that's fighting talk. We're well equipped to go and win this time."