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Motherwell skipper Keith Lasley has spoke of his excitement at leading Motherwell out for their first ever Champions League clash.

Lasley, 32, has taken over the Captaincy following the retirement of legendary defender Stephen Craigan back in May

Now the midfielder can’t wait to test himself against the cream of Europe after waiting months for the game to come around.

[pullquote]“We know it’s going to be difficult and that we’re big underdogs in the tie but we’ve got to back ourselves to go in with a shot and do our best.[/pullquote]

“Since the draw was made, it’s got a bit more real. We know who we’ve got and as the days have gone on, with the big build up to it, the excitement has just built and built.

“I just can’t wait to get out there now and get going. The pitch is looking great and I think there should be a big crowd in. The players are up for it. We’re up against a good side with good European pedigree so it all bodes well for a big night here tomorrow.

“We know it’s going to be difficult and that we’re big underdogs in the tie but we’ve got to back ourselves to go in with a shot and do our best.

“We never got to this stage just to make up the numbers. We done all the hard work last season to get into this position and we don’t want to just throw it away.”

-WATCH THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV-

‘Well boss Stuart McCall says his players are as prepared as they can be ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with Panathinaikos.

The Steelmen face the Greek giants in one of the biggest matches in the clubs’ 126-year history.

McCall and the players have been studying DVD’s of Jesualdo Ferreira’s side in pre-season and despite the massive financial gap between both clubs, the former Scotland midfielder is hopeful his men can upset the odds.

[pullquote]If you’re in a competition, any game, you want to try and win it.[/pullquote]

He said: “Naturally we will be underdogs but we’ve managed to get our hands on a couple of DVDs from their pre-season and there is no doubt they have quality players in their ranks but we’ve just got to do our best in the home game and in an ideal world we’d have a clean sheet and maybe sneak a goal.

“It would be nice to still be in it when we go over there.

“Now it is the last week of preparation since our last pre-season game which has been focused on the match tomorrow. If you’re in a competition, any game, you want to try and win it.

“We are under no illusions over how difficult it will be but first and foremost we believe we have a chance and we’re going to give it our best shot.

“I sense the players are really looking forward to it and I just hope they do themselves justice.”

-WATCH THE FULL PRESS CONFERENCE ON MFC TV-

The Motherwell players were put through their paces at Dalziel Park this morning ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League clash with Panathinaikos at Fir Park.

[svgallery name=”eurotraining300712″]

Ahead of the SPL opener at the weekend, Ross County have very kindly offered to meet the costs of Supporters Coaches heading to Dingwall.

In what is a fantastic gesture from the newly promoted side, any ‘Well fan going will now be able to travel free of charge via any Supporters Association coaches heading to the match.

To secure your spot, get in touch with any of the affiliated branches: CLICK HERE FOR CONTACT DETAILS.

[pullquote]“It’s also a clear demonstration of football clubs in the SPL working together and showing solidarity in difficult financial times.[/pullquote]

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster said, “I would like to acknowledge and thank Roy MacGregor and the rest of the board at Ross County FC for such a wonderful gesture.

“It is particularly welcome given the additional costs, travelling and sacrifices ‘Well fans have to make due to the clubs’ participation in European competition.

“It’s also a clear demonstration of football clubs in the SPL working together and showing solidarity in difficult financial times.

“I hope as many Motherwell fans can make the journey north for our first ever competitive match at the Global Energy Stadium to open what is sure to be an exciting season ahead.”

Tickets for the match in Dingwall are available now from the Fir Park Ticket Office: CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION.

Motherwell take on Panathinaikos in the UEFA Champions League this Tuesday but you can pre-order your matchday magazine now.

Not only is this game the biggest in the club’s 126-year history, the magazine will be the biggest and arguably the best ever produced for a ‘Well game.

An astonishing 84-page publication priced at just £4, it represents a piece of history that you simply mustn’t miss.

But what’s inside…?

Well, there is the usual update from both Stuart McCall and the club skipper Keith Lasley who both look forward to an historic night. Chief Executive Leeann Dempster, the spine of the clubs’ progress in recent years, also introduces the magazine and welcomes everyone to the match.

The Hamilton Advertiser’s Andy McGilvray has an exclusive chat with Tom Hateley; the full-back talks about trying to overcome the odds against the Greek giants and bathing in the riches of the later rounds of the competition.

But that’s not where the features end. Judith Toner, formerly of the Wishaw Press, caught up with the legendary Stephen Craigan, the clubs’ most apped player in European competition, to ask what it will be like watching as opposed to taking part in such a high-profile match for the Steelmen.

The Press Association’s Gavin McCafferty spoke exclusively with national boss Craig Levein on his hopes for Scottish clubs in Europe and the continued progression of young Scottish talent at the highest level.

The features keep coming…

Celebrity Steelman Tam Cowan recalls tales of Euro trips past in his own unique and, at times, colourful manner. It’s a laugh-a-second article that you absolutely cannot miss although perhaps the easily-offended might want to skip a page. Club director Andrew Wilson also jotted down his experiences and pictures from the draw in his Diary of Nyon which gives an interesting insight into some of the nuts and bolts of the operational side of the UEFA machine.

There is also an 18-page section dedication to our visitors from Greece. Not only is there the low-down on the club and the recent changes at the Olympic Stadium, but a player-by-player account of the stars likely to line up in green at Fir Park.

The Scottish Sun’s Kenny MacDonald caught a word with Panathinaikos’ French defender Jean-Alain Boumsong about what he and his teammates expect from their trip to Lanarkshire. There is a breakdown of Greek footy, a bio of Greek players who have graced the SPL as well as a guide to Athens for those travelling over for the return leg.

But wait, there’s even more…

Craig Anderson, author of the excellent SPL Stats blog, has penned a detailed account of the rise and success of the Champions League tournament. We’ve got a good luck message page with everyone from the ‘Greatest Ever’ Andy Payton, through Ian St John, Willie Pettigrew and Joe Wark to James McFadden and David Clarkson.

Don’t miss the Euro Quiz and a review of the Under 16’s who picked up the prestigious Dennis Law trophy in Aberdeen recently. There is also match reports from Everton and Accies as well as the latest up-to-date ticket information.

This is one piece of Motherwell history you won’t want to miss.

Magazines will be in the ‘Well Shop from Monday and sellers will be outside the ground before the match in their usual spots.

To make sure, you can pre-order now and have one sent to your home, getting there on the day of the match. Do that by CLICKING HERE.

Striker Henrik Ojamaa has been included in the Estonia squad for their forthcoming friendly match against Poland in Tallin.

Ojamaa, 21, won his first international cap against Croatia in May and has played four times in total for the Sinisärgid including a standout performance against the French in early June.

He will now hope he can continue that form when the teams meet at the A. Le Coq Arena on August 15th.

Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, Ojamaa said: “I really enjoyed playing for my country during the summer and it’s a big honour to get another call-up now.

“Although they never made it past the Group Stages, Poland showed their qualities during Euro 2012 and will be a tough test for us but we are all looking forward to it.”

Motherwell FC are on the lookout for new members of staff to join our Matchday Kiosk team.

We are looking for enthusiastic, motivated and hard working people to prepare and serve at our kiosk outlets on all home match days.  Some experience of customer facing sales would be an advantage.

Obviously you need to work a match day so if you are a Motherwell supporter please remember this!  We have had lots of supporters put themselves forward for these jobs and then decide they don’t want to work particular games.  This causes us problems with staff shortages so please if you apply, be prepared to work games when asked.

Working hours are dependent on match days and kick-off times with the average shift being 3 – 4 hours. All applicants will receive full training and £7 per hour as their rate of pay.

We are also looking for match day kiosk supervisors.  Experience in food preparation, good organizational skills.  Working hours are dependent on match days and kick-off times with the average shift being 5 – 6 hours. All applicants will receive full training and a goof rate of pay.

We are looking to recruit another 10 staff for the match next week so please respond asap.

If you are interested, please email Tracey at the club on: kiosks@motherwellfc.co.uk

Assistant boss Kenny Black was pleased the workout his players got as ‘Well breezed past First Division Partick Thistle in a bounce game this afternoon.

The Steelmen dominated much of the match against a very young and inexperienced Jags side.

Estonian International Henrik Ojamaa put the Fir Parkers ahead just before the interval before Stuart Carswell doubled the advantage six minutes into the second period.

[pullquote]It is essential to get as many games in as we can – it’s about minutes on the park and sharpness for the players.[/pullquote]

The visitors pulled one back with five minutes to go with a lovely free-kick from the edge of the box but youngsters Dale Shirkie and Steven Higgins added some polish to the performance with two late strikes.

Black told MFC TV: “It’s another 90 minutes for a lot of the squad with the likes of Henrik Ojamaa, Jamie Murphy, Stuart Carswell and Chris Humphrey all getting vital game time.

“It is essential to get as many games in as we can – it’s about minutes on the park and sharpness for the players. That’s why we like to have two games in each week of pre-season to give everyone in the squad an opportunity to get ninety minutes or close to it.

“The lads did well and the two late goals probably gave the game a more accurate reflection on how things went.

“We perhaps could and should have made it even more handsome with some of the chances we created but there were a lot of positives to take from the match and we’re that bit more prepared for Panathinaikos on Tuesday.”

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