Defender Jake Girdwood-Reich expressed his determination for Motherwell to “finish off” their Conference League tie against HJK Helsinki in tribute to the team’s supporters.

The Australian defender, who joined from MLS side St. Louis City earlier this summer, has played in all four matches so far this season.

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The 22-year-old took to the field for Thursday night’s 1-1 draw against HJK in Finland and was impressed by the support from traveling fans.

“The fans turned up and were unbelievable,” the centre-back commented.

“When we scored the goal, there was a really good feeling, and they were louder than HJK’s fans. That’s all we can ask, and hopefully we can finish off this tie for them.”

Girdwood-Reich joined the Steelmen shortly after the appointment of Alfred Johansson as the club’s new manager, who replaced former head coach Jens Berthel Askou after he moved to Toulouse. Johansson faces high expectations after Askou led Motherwell to a fourth-place finish in the Premiership.

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However, the new manager is making an impression with an unbeaten record in the team’s four matches to date.

“I knew when I came here how the old manager played,” Girdwood-Reich remarked. “Johansson is just trying to build on that. We play a risky style of football, but that’s why I came here. I just want to improve, and I think the manager is going to help me grow as a player.”

Defender Jake Girdwood-Reich is hopeful Motherwell can “finish off” their Conference League tie against HJK Helsinki in honour of their supporters.

The Australian defender arrived from MLS side St Louis City earlier this summer and has featured in all four of their games so far this term.

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The 22-year-old was in the starting line-up for Thursday night’s 1-1 draw against HJK in Finland and was blown away by the travelling support.

“The fans turned up and were unbelievable,” the centre-back said.

“When we scored the goal there was a really good feeling and they were louder than HJK’s fans. That’s all we can ask and hopefully we can finish off this tie for them.”

Girdwood-Reich joined the Steelmen shortly after the appointment of Alfred Johansson as the club’s new manager.

He replaced head coach Jens Berthel Askou, who joined Toulouse, with big shoes to fill after the former boss guided Motherwell to a fourth place Premiership finish.

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But the new manager is already impressing with an unbeaten record in their four games so far.

“I knew when I came here how the old manager played,” Girdwood-Reich added.

“Johansson is just trying to add onto that. We play a risky style of football but that’s why I cam here. I just want to improve and I think the manager is going to improve me as a player”.