| 3 | Rangers | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 23 |
| 4 | Dundee United | 13 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 20 |
| 5 | Motherwell | 12 | 6 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 19 |
| 6 | St Mirren | 14 | 5 | 3 | 6 | -4 | 18 |
| 7 | Dundee | 13 | 4 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 15 |
Stephen O’Donnell is looking forward to getting back to the action after a break. The Scotland internationalist says the last two breaks have been very different in terms of timing of results. O’Donnell reckons the previous break came at a bad time as momentum was with the team, and this one has allowed us to reset.
The full-back discusses the recent form of Scotland, whilst also addressing his own future at Motherwell.
After a two week hiatus, Motherwell return to action this weekend in the cinch Premiership against St Mirren and manager Stuart Kettlewell provides a full update on the squad fitness, after the players who have been on international duty have returned to the club.
Kettlewell was asked about the statement the club published last week with regards to VAR and refereeing decisions this season, as well as addressing recent speculation surrounding Blair Spittal’s future.
Brian Caldwell was recently appointed as the new CEO of the club and Kettlewell discusses how that process has came about and the impact it will have on the club as a whole.
Stuart Kettlewell offered an update on the playing squad ahead of our match against St Mirren.
Speaking at Thursday morning’s press conference, Kettlewell provided the update after the return of players who have been away representing their country.
“Lennon Miller came off late on for Scotland against Italy, so he’s a doubt,” Stuart Kettlewell said.
“He played with a fractured patella earlier in the season so for him to come off tells you there’s an issue. We’re hoping it’s not a massive one and it’s touch and go for this weekend.
“How much involvement he can have this weekend will be determined over the next 24 hours.
“Jon Obika remains out. Outwith that, we’re assessing one or two coming back from international duty.”
Kettlewell also provided an updated on Harry Paton’s progress.
“Harry is getting on well,” Kettlewell added.
“From the time of the injury, we’re looking at 10-12 weeks. He is out of the boot and walking but has quite a chunk to go. I spoke to him on Tuesday, he’s upbeat and feeling better. But he’s not going to be returning imminently.”
We had six players away on international duty, with some involved in friendly action and others tasked with COPA America Playoffs.
Liam Kelly was an unused substitute in Scotland’s 4-0 defeat to The Netherlands. Kelly was one of four goalkeepers in the squad, fighting against Angus Gunn, Craig Gordon and Zander Clark.
Against Northern Ireland at Hampden, Kelly was once again named on the bench with Gunn given the nod. Scotland lost out 1-0.
Bevis Mugabi pulled on the armband for the first time and led his country out against Comoros. It was a 4-0 defeat for Uganda on the night, with Mugabi playing the full match.
In their second match, Mugabi lined up as captain against Ghana. He played the full match, leading his team to an impressive 2-2 draw.
Scotland Under 19s were in Italy for their EURO qualifiers. They were in a group with Italy, Georgia and Czech Republic. In the first match against Italy, Lennon Miller was named in the starting lineup and played most of the match. Scotland lost out 3-1 on the day and Miller had to come off with minutes remaining.
As a result, he missed their second match against Georgia where Scotland lost 3-2 and third match against Czech Republic.
Back in the international setup for one of their biggest matches, Theo Bair was on the bench for the playoff match against Trinidad and Tobago. Looking to reach their first ever COPA America, Bair was an unused substitute on the day but Canada got the job done, winning 2-0.
Davor Zdravkovski was an unused substitute in North Macedonia’s first friendly match against Moldova. His side drew 1-1.
Looking for his first international cap, North Macedonia took on Montenegro in their second match. North Macedonia lost out 1-0, with Zdravkovski being an unused substitute.
There was only one game for Scotland’s Under 21 side during this international window, facing Kazakhstan in their EURO qualifying group.
Adam Devine was named on the bench but came on with 15 minutes to play. Scotland comfortably won the match 4-1, strengthening their grip on qualification in the process.
Here is the latest update on the players who are currently out on loan.
Ricki Lamie has signed a pre-contract with Dundee, where it will see Lamie join the Dee on a permanent basis at the end of the season.
East Kilbride missed out on the opportunity to win the league, however, the Kilby remain pole position to do so.
They have also reached the Lowland League Cup final where they will face Tranent.
Connelly is now on 11 appearances for East Kilbride and is their first choice keeper. With seven wins and two defeats in the last nine in the league, Connelly was able to keep a clean sheet against East Stirling in a 2-0 win for his side prior to a very comfortable 6-1 win over Broomhill in their latest outing.
East Kilbride travel to Civil Service Strollers needing only one point to win the league.
Ewan Wilson has made two start and one sub appearance so far for Beith Juniors.
He was a 77th minute substitute against Darvel in a 3-2 win at the start of March, and was awarded his first start against Pollok a week later.
Beith are currently in second spot, five points behind Clydebank. However, Beith have five games in hand over the table toppers.
In their last match, Beith were in cup action against Darvel. Wilson once again started the match and played the full game. The match went to extra time, with Darvel winning 5-4 on spot kicks. Wilson took a penalty, dispatching it cooly down the middle.
Arran Bone has made four appearances since the last loan update. Gala Fairydean Rovers hadn’t won in four games prior to their match against Stirling University. Bone played the full 90.
The centre-back, who has also been operating as a full-back, has seven appearances thus far in the Lowland League.
They are 16th in the league standings but have a 23 point cushion over 17th placed Gretna.
Walsall and Ross Tierney have been a strong run of form as they have propelled themselves up the table and are only three points off of a playoff spot.
Tierney has featured in all of Walsall’s last nine games, starting two in the process. He scored his third goal for the club against Morecambe last month.
With only one defeat in their last nine games, Walsall have put themselves in a strong position going into the latter parts of the season. 23-year-old Tierney is now on 29 games for the club since his arrival in the summer. He has made substitute appearances in the last five games.
Adam MacDonald has made four appearances for Cowdenbeath since last month’s update. All four of those appearances have came off the bench for the midfielder.
With 27 appearances in total this season, MacDonald has developed well in the Lowland League.
Cowdenbeath have moved themselves up to 11th in the table having recorded three wins, a draw and two defeats in their last six matches.
Motherwell return to cinch Premiership action after the March international break, facing St Mirren at Fir Park.
Kick off is 3pm.
| Hunter Stand | O’Donnell, Cooper, McLean Stand | |
| Adults | £24 | £26 |
| Concessions | £19 | £19 |
| Young Adults | £12 | £12 |
| Juniors | £6 | £6 |
– Concessions Tickets would be ages 65 and over and FT Students with a valid matric card.
– Young Adults tickets would ages 12 to 17.
– Juveniles would be 11 and under
Supporters are able to buy tickets online here or visit the ticket office at Fir Park.
Ticket Office open from 9am – the ticket office is open until kick-off with no pay gate facility.
If you are outside the UK, you can watch the game via Motherwell TV.
Should you be in the UK, it will be commentary only.
We will be wearing our home kit for this match.
Callum Slattery, Harry Paton, Barry Maguire and Jon Obika will all be absent for this match.
Lennon Miller will be assessed upon his return to Fir Park after the midfielder came off early on international duty.
It has been a bit stop-start in terms of games for the Steelmen of late. With no games in two of the last three weekends, Motherwell return to action for the season run-in.
Last time out against Aberdeen, in controversial fashion, Motherwell lost out 1-0 to the visitors. Prior to that match however, Motherwell were is good form. Picking up back-to-back wins against Livingston and Rangers, they pushed themselves up the table.
Their results mean the Steelmen are eighth in the table, six points off Hibernian in sixth. With two wins and three defeats in their last five, Motherwell have three games to go between now and the split. Those games include St Mirren at home, Dundee away and Hibernian at home.
Against St Mirren this season, Motherwell have yet to register a win over the Paisley side, despite some strong showings. It was a 1-0 win for St Mirren at Fir Park earlier in the season, despite domination from the home side. St Mirren knocked the ‘Well out of the Viaplay Cup in another 1-0 win before a 0-0 draw in the league in December.
Before the international break, St Mirren looked to be heading for two wins out of two in the league, with Stephen Robinson’s side 2-0 up at Kilmarnock. A second-half comeback seen Killie win 5-2.
That makes it two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five games. Those two defeats and draw have both came on the road.
St Mirren are currently fifth in the table, with Hibernian only four points behind in sixth. Top six looks to be secured for Stephen Robinson’s men, with their eyes now fixed on securing European football.
Mikael Mandron, a familiar name to Motherwell fans, is the top scorer for St Mirren. With 10 goals in all competitions, he has four goals and one assist in his last seven appearances.
Born in Skopje, North Macedonia, Davor Zdravkovski arrived from Cyprus having lifted silverware and being on the cusp of his international debut.
However, it wasn’t the flying start to life in Scotland that he would have wanted and the centre midfielder has to wait and be patient in the wings. The time came when he was called upon and the 26-year-old hasn’t looked back since.
Keeping his place in the team and impressing those in the stands, he may be small in stature but he has the heart of a lion. Showing a no fear attitude, Zdravkovski has become known for his ability to win possession back for his team, get stuck into a tackle and show strength against players over a much bigger size.
It’s not often in 2024 that a player signs for a club under the radar and gives supporters a nice surprise, but for Sam Nicholson, that was firmly the case.
Motherwell fans welcomed Nicholson with open arms, as the former Hearts man was a familiar name to many. Alongside an early support from ‘Well fans, fans of Nicholson’s previous employers were also wading in with support.
Colorado Rapids and Hearts supporters were all pleased to see a player with a spot on attitude and a willingness to work, find a new home. That feeling of being wanted is a great start to life at a new club but for Nicholson, the most perfect start of all was getting off the mark in his new club colours.
“It was really difficult to get to a level of fitness where I could play,” Nicholson admitted.
“There had been so many games and the Livingston match was the first game where I was allowed to start. I was looking forward to it and it was simply a relief to get off the mark.
“It was my first start in six months, on the astro, so we were all thinking I would play an hour or so. I felt alright so played longer, I did start to tire towards the end of the match but it was good.
“The coaching staff have been great with me. We’ve done a lot of stuff after training to get the fitness up. As a player, you want to just play every game but they’ve been smart about it, basically saying I would hurt myself if I went in too soon.”
When you look at Nicholson’s previous clubs and career to date, it would be fair to say, it’s a very unique list of clubs. Born and raised in Edinburgh, he started out with Hearts in the Gorgie, something that he holds very close to his heart.
“Coming through at Hearts was difficult because it’s known for having a good youth system, so you’re always trying to get ahead of someone else,” Nicholson said.
“There were times when I thought they would release me but they were very patient with me. I’m not a built boy, as you can see, and there were times when they weren’t playing me. But, they would say it’s because even though I had ability, they just wanted to nurture me.
“Everyone knows of the financial difficulties the club went through but that was the year I broke through, and it definitely helped me.
“To a Hearts fan, looking at me, it’s sort of one of your own in a way. It’s obviously nice to hear the compliments. I enjoyed my time there and I hold great memories. It was a dream but I think on the other hand, it’s really important for me to say how much I love it here. Like, I’m really enjoying it.”
Not many can say they moved from Hearts to Minnesota, but Sam Nicholson is one who can say just that. An obscure move on paper, Nicholson reckons it’s one he would always have jumped at.
“Minnesota was a strange one,” Nicholson reminisced.
“I feel like when you come through a youth system in Scotland, you’re told to do this and do that but when America became an option, I thought, I didn’t want to not go and then regret it. Because sometimes, that offer may never come again.
“The thought was simply, why not be different. I don’t need to take the same route as everyone else.
“My family are rogue as it is. My brother was in the armed forces and navy. He left home when he was just 16. My mum and dad have moved about. My family are like, if it feels right, just do it!
“You’ve got to experience as many things as you can. I really enjoyed the lifestyle out there.”
After a spell with Minnesota, Nicholson moved to pastures new with Colorado Rapids, where just by its location, there were immediate difficulties.
“The fans at Colorado were loyal, they stuck by the team through a lot of tough times,” Nicholson explained.
“You’re over 5000 feet above sea level. Right now, we train at roughly sea level. So you’re used to having so much oxygen in your system. But over there, oxygen is limited.
“You could go up a set of stairs and begin to struggle breathing. Sometimes, you’d play 90 minutes and just chase the ball. It gets difficult. It’s hard to get fit because you’re tired every two minutes.
“At half-time, they used to allow you to use oxygen tanks. Everyone would use them because they couldn’t breathe.
“The day-to-day is different, your travel is different, you’re travelling a couple of days before a game, experiencing different states. It’s really eye opening.”
Having tasted, and breathed, the American lifestyle, Nicholson made a return back to the UK in 2020 with Bristol Rovers.
“I had a good season there in terms of goals and assists,” Nicholson added.
“We played Rochdale and there were like 3500 travelling fans. A three-and-a-half hour drive but they were there. The owner was great too. He was constantly speaking to the players.
“I came back as my dad, at the time, wasn’t well so I wanted to be closer to home.
“After a year, he was fine so I was like, perfect! I can go back to America. I felt like I hadn’t quite finished in America yet. I still enjoyed living there but, when I was at Bristol, there was an essence of wanting to come back to Scotland. I just had my little boy and we thought, whilst he was still young, we should enjoy living away before he gets settled somewhere.”
But, it’s not just the better weather, relaxed lifestyle and bigger stadiums that are an attractive asset for the MLS, coming up against some of the best players on the planet is also a selling point. But Nicholson experienced how tricky it can be coming up against those types of players.
“Zlatan Ibrahimovic was up there,” Nicholson laughed.
“Carlos Vela, when he was on form, was untouchable. But, Bastian Schweinsteiger was the best I came up against because I had to man mark him. I couldn’t get near him. I got told to stay on him but anytime I got near, he’d just pop things off me. I just shook my head.
“Rooney was always unreal when he was out there. These older players have still got it, that’s the thing. Some think they’re finished but they’ve played at the highest level, Zlatan went to AC Milan when he left!”
The mood was high in the Motherwell camp after their last outing, a 2-1 win over Rangers at Ibrox. But the focus shifted quickly to the next challenge and that was Aberdeen at Fir Park.
In a game that was huge for both sides, it was the visitors who got off the mark after Clarkson slotted home when the ball fortunately fell to the midfielder off the post.
Motherwell created openings with Nicholson and Casey going close but, it would appear they drew level through Lennon Miller. The 17-year-old knocked the ball goal-wards and it eventually found it’s way over the line. However, in a bizarre turn of events, VAR recommended an review at the monitor after they judged Theo Bair to have handled the ball. Despite the striker not scoring the goal, the rules of the game seemed to be ignored and the goal was ruled out.
The second period saw Bair, Halliday and Spittal all have chances but they couldn’t convert.
In stoppage time, Shinnie seemed to have handled the ball in the area but despite a VAR review, the penalty wasn’t awarded and Motherwell left the game empty handed.
We have six players away on international duty this month, across the world.
Liam Kelly was one of four goalkeepers named by Steve Clarke ahead of two international friendlies this month.
Fighting against Angus Gunn, Zander Clark and Craig Gordon for a spot between the sticks, Scotland travel to the Netherlands on Friday 22 March. Kick off is at 7.45pm at the Johan Cruijff ArenA.
Scotland then return home for a home friendly match against Northern Ireland at Hampden on Tuesday 26 March. Kick off is 7.45pm.
The two friendly matches provide Steve Clarke with a final look at players ahead of his next squad selection, which is for the Euros in Germany.
Having cemented his position in the heart of the defence in the last few games for Motherwell, Mugabi earned another call up for the Cranes as Uganda have two matches.
They will be based in Morocco and are in action twice.
First up, is a friendly against Comoros at Stade de Marrakech on Friday 22 March. Kick off is 9pm.
Mugabi and the Cranes will then round off this camp with a match against Ghana at Stade de Marrakech on Tuesday 26 March. Kick off for that one is 4pm.
These matches will provide preparation for Uganda under new coach Paul Put, ahead of qualifiers in the summer.
He made no secret of wanting to return to the Canadian setup when arrived at Motherwell in August, but after a four year absence, Bair was called up by his country.
It doesn’t get much bigger for Canada also, as they face Trinidad and Tobago in the 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League Playoff.
The match takes place on Saturday 23 March at 8pm in Texas. The winner of the match will earn a spot in the CONCACAF tournament this summer. Should they progress to the tournament, they will be in Group A alongside Argentina, Peru and Chile. Canada would open the tournament against Argentina.
Canada are aiming to qualify for the Copa America for the first time.
Another player who had hoped to work his way back into the international fold, Davor Zdravkovksi is back in the North Macedonia squad for the first time since September.
The midfielder has become a regular starter for Stuart Kettlewell and has caught the eye of his national side.
North Macedonia have a training camp based in Turkey, where they will be in friendly action twice.
They will face Moldova first on Friday 22 March at 2.30pm at the Mardan Sports Complex. Montenegro will be the opponents for their second match on Monday 25 March a the Mardan Sports Complex. Kick off is 5pm.
Should Zdravkovski play, he will earn his first cap for his country. Having not qualified for the Euros in Germany, North Macedonia will have another round of friendlies in June ahead of kicking off their Nations League campaign this September. They are in Group C alongside Armenia, Latvia and Faroe Islands.
Scotland’s Under 19 side are off to Italy for to kick off their UEFA Euro Under 19 qualifying campaign.
In Group E, Scotland will face all three of their group rivals Italy, Georgia and Czech Republic, with all games taking place at Stadio G. Teghil. It’s Italy up first on Wednesday 20 March at 2pm.
It’s an 11am start against Georgia on Saturday 23 March before rounding off the qualifiers against Czech Republic on Tuesday 26 March at 1.30pm.
The finals take place in Northern Ireland this summer, with the seven group winners qualifying for the finals.
Adam Devine and Scotland’s Under 21’s have just the one match during this international window.
Kazakhstan travel to Paisley to face Scot Gemmill’s side in a EURO Under 21 qualifier. Five games into the group matches, Scotland are currently in second place. With three wins from their first five matches, they are 10 points, three off the top.
The match takes place Thursday 21 March at 7pm, at the SMiSA Stadium.
