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Stephen Robinson discussed trying to hold on to prized assets, the closing of the transfer window and the weekend visit to Livingston at his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Here’s what he said to the broadcast media.

On the return from the winter break

“We’ve come back and we’ve started really well. I thought our performance against Hibs was brilliant. It’s funny when I speak to some fans, they don’t think it was as good as I did because we didn’t win. But everyone’s dictated to by results.

“But so much of what was so good throughout the team and to watch, we’ve played some terrific football.

“We needed an end product. Now we’ll have Christopher Long back, we’ll have Jermaine back, and potentially we’ll have James as well.

“So our lineup will be a little bit different hopefully. But we’re going to to a very, very in-form team in Livingston. I have so much respect for them. They are a club with similar resources as ourselves.

“They have won five in a row at home. We’ve won five in a row away from home. So it has the makings of a very, very good game.”

On facing Livingston

“They’re not quite as direct as everybody makes out. That’s a myth. They play a lot more football than people give them credit for. They get the ball early forward, make no mistake. They play to their strengths.

“They’ve got Lyndon Dykes, who I think is a very, very good footballer. They played to him and when they get the ball up there, they play some very good football. They can handle the ball and they can put balls into areas that’ll hurt you.

“So they’ve got to be admired for what they’ve done and respected. But again, if we go and play the way we can play, we go and put on an Aberdeen performance with the steel that we showed and the level of quality we showed against Hibs, then I’m confident that we can go and get a result.”

On potential departures on deadline day

“The timing is not great. But I accept the parameters. I’ve accepted them for almost five seasons now that we will lose players.

“But the timing of deadline day and the chance to actually replace people on the level of quality that we may have to let go, it’s difficult, very difficult, for a club with our resources.

“But it’s football isn’t it? We’re at the mercy of people with more money than us and you have to get on with it.

“We’ve got people in the building that I still very much believe in.

“It’s a real difficult one, cause you have to be fair to everybody. We sell ourselves on developing young players and on selling them. And we do terrifically well.

“You’ll have seen the boys in the stand on Saturday. Louis Moult, Marvin Johnson and Cedric Kipre. If you’re selling the club as, we develop them and sell them and then all of a sudden you hold them back from life-changing money, it’s very, very difficult to keep players happy.

“So there has to be a parameter that works for everybody. For the club with the right money, and for the player. And we’ve always done that and we always will. But we certainly won’t be undervaluing our players. No way.”

There’s live audio commentary available from Livingston v Motherwell on Saturday.

All fans can listen to the action direct from the Tony Macaroni Arena. Kick off is at 3pm GMT. Live video is not available for this match.

If you’re abroad, you subscribe and get all Motherwell home matches – and the majority of away games. Head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk now and sign up.

If you’re in the UK or Ireland and can’t make it, don’t worry. We’ve also got live audio commentary every week for just £5.99 a month.

Head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to sign up. Just choose the UK/Ireland commentary option.

2019/20 Motherwell streaming service matches

Tickets for our William Hill Scottish Cup tie with St Mirren on Saturday 8th February have now sold out.

There will be no further tickets available for ‘Well fans to buy ahead of the match.

There are limited seats available on our third bus directly from Fir Park to the stadium. To buy, call 01698 333333.

Livingston are our weekend opponents, as we travel through to West Lothian in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Here’s a look at the Lions.

The story so far

Having won plaudits for winning promotion and staying up in the top flight in 2018/19, Gary Holt’s side have continued to defy expectation this term.

Despite losing a host of key men, including Declan Gallagher, Craig Halkett and Liam Kelly, they’ve played their way into top six contention with a string of impressive results.

Sitting eight points above seventh spot, Gary Holt’s men are only another couple of victories away from guaranteeing their place in the top half come the split.

Form guide

Livingston’s recent form demonstrates their ability to get results. With four straight wins in all competitions, and only one defeat in their last 10, they are one of the top form teams in the league.

Ominously, they’ve also won their last five at home, and are unbeaten there since a 1-0 loss to Rangers in early November.

Three to watch

Marvin Bartley

Livingston captain Marvin Bartley has often been the shining light for the Lions in a season in which Gary Holt’s side have continually impressed.

His ability to break up the play and protect the defence has also given licence for the likes of Scott Pittman and Craig Sibbald to demonstrate their attacking threat – with both men getting on the scoresheet in the 4-2 win at Hamilton last weekend.

Bartley has already accumulated 30 appearances this season for Livi, scoring his only goal in the 1-1 draw with Hearts at the tail end of 2019.

Steven Lawless

Coming through the ranks at Fir Park, Steven Lawless found first team opportunities hard to come by. But he has gone on to enjoy a successful career with Partick Thistle and now at Livingston.

With three goals in three matches so far in 2020, the 28-year-old will be desperate to continue his rich vein of form when he comes up against his former side.

Lawless scored Livi’s equaliser in their 2-1 defeat at Fir Park earlier on in the season and since departing ‘Well has proved to be a bit of a thorn in the side of the Steelmen – netting four times against them since departing the club back in 2012.

Lyndon Dykes

In a season in which Livingston are yet again showing their ability to defy the odds, Lyndon Dykes has proven to be a magnificent signing for the West Lothian side.

The Australian-born striker, who is eligible to play for Scotland through his parents, was linked with a call-up to the Steve Clarke’s squad after putting Celtic to the sword in 2-0 victory back in October and his goal tally for the season currently sits at 11.

Dykes has now pledged his allegiance to Scotland and his excellent form must have propelled him on to the radar of the national boss. His combative style alongside his power, pace and finishing abilities will make him a real handful for any defence.

Buy in advance to save queuing

Tickets are available online now. Pre-purchase is advised to avoid queuing at away ticket booth at stadium on matchday. Cash turnstiles will not be in operation.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Listen live

Wherever you are, there’s live audio commentary available on our streaming service.

Starting at £5.99 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Motherwell will take on Aberdeen in the semi-final of the SPFL Reserve Cup.

After progressing as the best runners-up in the 12-team group stage, Maurice Ross’ side will host the Dons on Monday, 24 February.

The venue and kick-off time will be announced shortly.

The young Steelmen booked their place in the last four with a comeback 2-1 win over Dundee on Monday.

Aberdeen progressed with a 100% record from their four matches in the group stage, defeating Kilmarnock 4-3 away in their final match.

Celtic will take on Hibernian in the other semi-final.

Ross MacIver has extended his deal with Motherwell FC until the summer of 2021.

The youngster has been rewarded for breaking into the first team picture at Fir Park, after being recruited from Ross County in the summer.

MacIver announced his arrival onto the scene with a spectacular debut goal on Boxing Day against his former club.

He has since made two further substitute appearances for the club against Hamilton Academical and Aberdeen, before making his first start against Hibernian at the weekend.

“We are delighted to get Ross signed again,” manager Stephen Robinson said. “He is another one of our young players we feel we can keep developing.

“He has already experienced first team football and done well. We are hoping he will keep progressing and developing.”

MacIver added: “It’s been a whirlwind last few weeks, scoring on my debut at Ross County and getting chances in the first team.

“I’ll keep working hard to develop further, and this is the perfect place to do it.”

Motherwell make their second trip to West Lothian of the 2019/20 Ladbrokes Premiership on Saturday to take on Livingston.

Kick-off at the Tony Macaroni Arena is at 3pm.

Tale of the tape

It’s third against fifth in the league on Saturday, with the Steelmen heading east with a 10-point gap over their opponents.

Motherwell go into the match with three wins, one loss and one draw in their last five, with a goalless match with Hibernian on Saturday the most recent result.

Livi have won four of their last five competitive games, with a defeat to Aberdeen being followed by victories over Hibernian, Raith Rovers, St Johnstone and Hamilton Academical.

Head to head

The opening match between the two sides this season ended in a 0-0 draw at Livingston on the opening day of the campaign.

Motherwell were then 2-1 winners at Fir Park in November, with Christopher Long and Allan Campbell netting the goals to seal the victory.

Buy in advance

Tickets are available online now. Pre-purchase is advised to avoid queuing at away ticket booth at stadium on matchday. Cash turnstiles will not be in operation.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Listen live

Wherever you are, there’s live audio commentary available on our streaming service.

Starting at £5.99 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Motherwell progressed in the SPFL Reserve Cup as best runners-up with a comeback 2-1 win over Dundee on Monday.

Goals from Jermaine Hylton and Paul Hale secured the progression of Maurice Ross’ side, having been defeated finalists last term.

Motherwell had the first clear chance to score when Christy Manzinga earned himself a first-half penalty. But stepping up to take, the Frenchman fired his fierce spot kick off the top of the bar and the visitors were able to clear.

Dundee then hit the Steelmen before the break. A ball down the right was crossed in to Cunningham, who went one-on-one with Trevor Carson before slotting in at a narrow angle.

Motherwell had two quick chances to level before the break through Seedorf and Hutchison, but the Dundee goalkeeper stood tall to keep the hosts at bay.

Hylton, making his way back after recently being sidelined through illness, was introduced at the break in favour of Sherwin Seedorf and immediately set about turning the game around.

Having seen an earlier shot after cutting inside turned around the post, he then grabbed the equaliser. Mikael Ndjoli crossed from the right side and found Dean Cornelius. He got to the byline before cutting back across goal for Hylton to steer home.

Then, at the death, he turned provider. Hussain found Hylton on the left who then put the ball over the top for fellow sub Paul Hale, who got between two defenders and found the net to secure a place in the last four.

Motherwell: Carson, Brown, Mugabi, Hussain, Johnston, Cornelius, Sloth, Hutchison, Seedorf (Hylton), Ndjoli, Manzinga.

Subs: Connolly, Quinn, Muir, Robertson, Starrs, Hale.