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Stephen Robinson spoke of the task in hand against Celtic this weekend, as well as the form of Declan Gallagher and developing players on Thursday.

Here’s what he had to say to the broadcast media ahead of the match.

On Declan Gallagher’s Scotland call-up

“Delighted with him. He’s been a revelation since he came in. We went to watch Livingston play maybe two years ago and we earmarked him then. We constantly monitored him and he’s grown as a player and as a person.

“I think his recognition for Scotland’s been thoroughly deserved and hopefully it continues.

“He’s full of fun. He’s a big character in the dressing room. The boys love him. Win, lose or draw he is the same. He keeps the dressing room alive on the pitch, we’ve got him to drive himself.

“His training standards were something that we tried to get up when he first came in and now he is setting standards for other people, as opposed to us trying to set them for him.”

On developing players

“I have a pretty good relationship with all the players. You can only start 11 of them.

“It’s important that the boys that aren’t playing you try and keep on board as well, as frustrated as they are, which is is understandable.

“But I try to be honest with people. We try and treat them well and in the end of the day if I’m linked with something, it’s down to the players.

“And if the players are linked with something, or representing their country, it’s because of Motherwell Football Club.

“We appreciate each other. I think there’s a good bond and relationship between all the staff and all the players.”

On the task in facing Celtic

“[The performance at Ibrox] certainly gave the players confidence. Sometimes I wish they believed in themselves as much as I believed in them.

“The hard bit is convincing people. You know that you can go to these places, put on a performance and get results.

“They’ve started to believe in our league position and in our style of play, where we’ve been attractive on the eye, played a lot of good football, scored a lot of goals and there’s no reason why we can’t [go there and get a result].

“Of course the realism is that Celtic on their day are a very, very good side. As are Rangers. So we have to be at the top of our game but giving them that belief.

“I believe after the Rangers game, they believe in what we did. They believe in each other.

“So why not? If you go with a negative mindset, you might as well beat before you start.”

Trevor Carson and Liam Donnelly are again in the Northern Ireland squad for their final games of 2019.

Michael O’Neill’s side are in UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying action against Netherlands and Germany.

They take on the Dutch in Belfast on 16 November, before travelling to take on the Germans three days later in Frankfurt.

Declan Gallagher is in the Scotland squad for the forthcoming matches with Cyprus and Kazakhstan.

The Motherwell defender, a standout performer for the Steelmen this campaign, was a call-up to Steve Clarke’s squad for their last double header with Russia and San Marino.

The 28-year-old didn’t win his first cap on that occasion, but that chance could now come in the coming games.

Scotland travel to take on Cyprus on Saturday, 16 November, before taking on Kazakhstan at Hampden Park on Tuesday, 19 November.

Motherwell are on the road again this weekend, with a trip to face Celtic on Sunday.

It’s first against third in the Ladbrokes Premiership, as Stephen Robinson’s side look to get a positive result in Glasgow.

Kick off at Celtic Park is at 3pm.

Tale of the tape

Celtic booked their place in the Betfred Cup final with a thumping 5-2 victory over Hibernian at the weekend.

That marked their fifth straight win, having also seen off Ross County, Lazio, Aberdeen and St Mirren with 19 goals scored along the way, and three conceded.

Neil Lennon’s side are in Rome on Thursday evening to take on Lazio again, before the visit of the Steelmen at the weekend.

Motherwell kept third position in the Premiership with a 2-1 home win over Livingston at the weekend, following up from the same result against Kilmarnock last midweek.

Head to head

Celtic are unbeaten in the fixture in the last 15, winning 12 and drawing three and including two cup final victories over Stephen Robinson’s men.

Motherwell’s last victory against Celtic came in Glasgow in December 2015, when a Louis Moult double cancelled out Nir Bitton’s opener to give the visitors a 2-1 win.

Ticket information

Tickets are available from the club shop at Fir Park on Saturday between 10am and 12pm.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. There will be no sales on the day of the match.

The cheaper price is for restricted view tickets. These will not be available until our full view tickets are sold out.

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

Can’t make it? Watch or listen live

If you’re outside the UK/Ireland, you can watch Celtic v Motherwell and the majority of our Ladbrokes Premiership games this season on our live streaming service.

Priced at £12 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Wherever you are, there’s also live audio commentary available on our streaming service for £5.99 a month.

Christopher Long and Allan Campbell get the goals as Motherwell consolidate third spot with a 2-1 win over Livingston.

“We had to be patient. Good teams find ways to win and we’re a decent side.”

Stephen Robinson reacts to the win over Livingston.

Back-to-back home wins strengthened Motherwell’s grip on third place, as Livingston were defeated 2-1.

An Allan Campbell goal seven minutes from time to earn the maximum points from a stuffy visiting side.

Both defences were solid and mean, with goal chances few and far between in an uneventful first half.

However, some good fortune helped Christopher Long and a Steve Lawless grab a goal apiece at the start of the second half and provide the fans with an entertaining second 45 – before ‘Well found the late winner.

Not surprisingly, Stephen Robinson stood by the same line-up which defeated the Ayrshire side in mid-week. That allowed Devante Cole and Long, on the back of three consecutive starts together, the chance to develop their striking partnership.

However, it was Livingston who threatened in the early stages. In the eighth minute, and with ‘Well yet to get a touch in the visitor’s box the first chance fell to Scott Tiffoney.

The Livi striker, who scored a couple of cracking goals on his last visit in May, thought he was on the scoresheet again until his net bound drive from eight yards was deflected over the bar by Declan Gallagher.

Six minutes later, after Hakeem Odoffin hauled back Jermaine Hylton’s progress on the left wing, Liam Polworth’s free kick provided the first test for the Livi defence.

That signalled a bit of pressure from the home side and a well rehearsed corner after 18 minutes almost led to the breakthrough. Polworth swept the flag kick out to the edge of the penalty area to set up Liam Donnelly whose low drive was on target until Marvin Bartley blocked it six yards from goal.

The Fir Park men had plenty of the ball around the visitor’s third of the pitch but on a number of occasions they failed to get crosses beyond the first defender.

The West Lothian side were still dangerous on the break and Tiffoney’s drive from the corner of the box had Mark Gillespie at full stretch as the ball deflected just wide of the ‘keeper’s right hand post.

Nine minutes from the interval, Matija Sarkic made his first save. Cole lost the ball at the edge of the box but it rolled into Long’s path and his firmly struck rising drive was parried by the Livi ‘keeper.

Other than that the first half was a bit of a stalemate, as for the second time in four days the Steelmen found it difficult to get in behind a solid visiting rearguard.

More was expected from the home side in the second half and they were given a big helping hand from Sarkic as they broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart.

It was a good build up from the back as Peter Hartley and then Jake Carroll worked the ball inside to Polworth. His long ground pass found Long at the corner of the box and although there was plenty of power in his low drive, the on-loan Aston Villa ‘keeper should have done a lot better than allowing the ball to squirm from his hands and roll inside the post.

After the poor first half, the Fir Park fans were not complaining as Sarkic was consoled by his team mates.

At least the goal opened up the game with Livingston much more intent on getting forward in pursuit of an equaliser.

The visitors then got their own slice of luck in the 57th minute when the assistant referee indicated it was a penalty a penalty after Cole ran into the back of Tiffoney as they both headed out of the box.

As the striker received treatment, Gary Holt made a unique substitution sending on Steve Lawless to take the penalty. And the ex-Well man made no mistake from the spot sending his first touch of the ball high beyond the diving Gillespie to make it 1-1.

That handed the initiative to the Lions and Gillespie was forced into a good save to push Tiffoney’s angled drive round his post.

That encouraged ‘Well to make their first change after 65 minutes, James Scott coming on for Cole. With 15 minutes remaining, and little sign of ‘Well reclaiming the lead, Sherwin Seedorf joined the action with Hylton making way.

Almost immediately ‘Well conjured up a chance. A long through ball for Long rolled away from the striker at the edge of the box but Campbell latched onto the ball only to drive it across and wide of the goal.

The ‘Well midfield man made his next chance count. Possession around the visitor’s box ended with Polworth driving the ball towards goal and when it was partially blocked 10 yards out, Campbell drilled the loose ball into the corner for the winner.

However, with Bevis Mugabi immediately on to shore up the defence, it took a brilliant stop from Gillespie to deny Steve Lawson and ensure that ‘Well would hold onto all three points and third spot in the league table.

Having impressed during their first year back in the top flight, Livingston are looking to progress in 2019/20.

Early signs are that they are capable of doing so, with another strong start to the campaign.

The story so far

The Lions are currently sixth in the Ladbrokes Premiership table after the first round of fixtures – producing some strong performances along the way.

Last month’s 2-0 success over Celtic at the Tony Macaroni Arena gathered positive headlines across the country and it was a game where Gary Holt’s side showed their battling spirit.

But there was more to the victory that. All over the pitch they battled harder than their opponents, they are direct, physical and ruthlessly effective.

Form guide

Despite the success over the champions, Holt urged his side to step up their performance levels, after witnessing a drop off in results following on from a strong start and his side have responded with better displays in the draws against Hearts and Hibernian.

Livingston host Rangers next Sunday before visiting Celtic Park following the international break, so the upcoming run of fixtures will be a big test of Holt’s side. They were forced to settle for a share of the spoils on Wednesday night despite leading Hibs 2-0 at Easter Road and they visit Fir Park today having won just one of their last seven league fixtures.

The previous meeting between Livingston and Motherwell this season ended in a drab goalless draw on the opening day. ‘Well came out on top in two of the three clashes between the two teams at Fir Park in 2018-19, with the game in October 2018 finishing 1-1.

Three to watch

Nicky Devlin

After dropping down the leagues following his release by Motherwell in the summer of 2013, Nicky Devlin has progressed back through the ranks of the game to return to the top level of Scottish football.

Devlin joined Stenhousemuir after leaving Fir Park and a season later moved on to Ayr United. He made over 100 league appearances for the Honest Men before heading down south to join Walsall where he would establish himself as a regular.

Walsall were relegated from League One last season and despite being offered a new contract with The Saddlers, the 26-year-old opted to return to Scotland and join Livingston. He has played in all but one of their Scottish Premiership fixtures so far this season and despite missing the midweek clash with Hibernian, he’s expected to return to the Livi squad for today’s fixture.

Keaghan Jacobs

Livingston’s all-time record appearance holder Keaghan Jacobs was rewarded with his testimonial match last month.

Jacobs has made over 300 appearances across two spells with the Lions and in scoring in the 2-0 win against Motherwell last season, the South African midfielder became the first player to have scored for the club in each of the four professional leagues in Scotland.

The 30-year-old isn’t the only member of the Jacobs family to have pulled on a yellow jersey, in fact he once he only makes up 25%. As Livingston faced Albion Rovers in April 2010, Keaghan lined up alongside his triplet brothers Devon, Kyle and Sheldon – the first time that four brothers had featured in a senior match.

Lyndon Dykes

A standout performer in Livi’s 2-0 victory over Celtic was powerful forward Lyndon Dykes with the 24-year-old notching the decisive second goal by looping the ball over the head of Fraser Forster.

Such was the impression made by Dykes, he was tipped for an unexpected call-up to Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the fixtures against Russia and San Marino. He would find himself overlooked on this occasion, though if he keeps up his current performance levels then it won’t be long before the former Queen of the South man is pulling on the dark blue of Scotland.

Born in Australia, Dykes qualifies to play for Scotland through his parents who were both born in Dumfries. So far this season he has contested more aerial duels than any other player in the Scottish Premiership.

Ticket information

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office. You can also pay at the gate.

The cheaper price is for our John Hunter stand only.

Away supporters can pay at the gate.

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

Can’t make it? Watch or listen live

If you’re outside the UK/Ireland, you can watch Motherwell v Livingston and the majority of our Ladbrokes Premiership games this season on our live streaming service.

Priced at £12 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Wherever you are, there’s also live audio commentary available on our streaming service for £5.99 a month.

Stephen Robinson discussed getting back to winning form, weekend opponents Livingston and building a winning team on Friday.

Here’s what the Motherwell manager said to the broadcast media.

On the win over Kilmarnock

“It was a different game on Wednesday. We dominated the ball. We dominated the game, which we should have done with 11 men against 10 and we got a very good result against a really resilient Kilmarnock side.

“We have to be at the top of our game to make sure that the three points doesn’t go to waste and we can continue our good form.

“I gave the boys a challenge. Can we get six points from these two games?

“The first hurdle was a tough one. It took a lot of patience to break Kilmarnock down. So we go in with a lot of confidence. We are playing well, but it’s a different task.”

On Livingston

“It’s a really big challenge for us again. I’ve got a lot of admiration for Livingston. They take a little bit of stick for how they play.

“They play by being direct and being physical but you know, I always say that’s fantasy. You play what your players allow you to play. They are very good at what they do and they play a lot more football than people give them credit for.

“So we’re in for a really tough game and we have to be up for that kind of physical battle.

“They are effective at what they do. They got a brilliant result away at Hibs and they’ve been picking up results and surprising people. I watched their game against Rangers at Livi and they’re a very good side.

“I’ve a lot of admiration. They’ve got a real good work ethic about them and boys that give absolutely everything for the manager and the team. So there’s a lot to be admired about them.”

On building a winning team

“We’ve got young boys that are improving. They’ve got real belief about them.

“They play with freedom. Sometimes too much freedom. I’m trying to rein them back at times. Like when you’re 2-1 up with two seconds to go and we’re still bombing forward and we’ve got six in the box against Kilmarnock’s two.

“There’s a real raw enthusiasm. We play off the cuff at times and there’s a lot of invention.

“Who knows how far we can go. I’ve got a belief in them. I really believe they’ll keep improving. They are young players taking on board the stuff we are working with them on and it’s exciting times.”

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

We’ve a live stream of the match available to viewers outside of the UK and Ireland for just £12 a month. Kick off is at 3pm GMT.

To 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 of the match for just £5.99 a month.

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

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