Stuart McCall has warned his Motherwell stars that they have achieved nothing yet ahead of a trip to Tynecastle on Saturday.
The Steelmen would secure a top-six berth for McCall’s side with a win in the Capital, while ‘Well are also extremely close to a Scottish Cup final spot, facing St. Johnstone in the semi-final in eight days time.
But despite these undoubtedly exciting prospects, the gaffer has reminded his players there is still a lot of work to be done this campaign.
“I’ve told the lads that they haven’t achieved anything yet,” the 46-year old said honestly. “We’ve still got plenty of work to do.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if Inverness won against Kilmarnock. So we want to go to Hearts and pick something up. A point wouldn’t be the worst result in the world, but, like every match, we will be going there looking to get a win, although we know how tough it will be.
“First and foremost we have to focus on Hearts, but the semi-final looms large and the players know that there are eleven places to play for, especially for some of the lads who have come into the side in the last couple of games.”
On paper the trip to Tynecastle looks like a tough task for ‘Well, but the battle-weary troops can take solace from Motherwell’s last two visits to Gorgie, both of which have resulted in wins for the visitors.
It’s something the manager is looking to as he plots to make it three out of three.
“The boys have done well earlier in the season at Hearts, getting a good victory,” McCall recalled. “So we’ll look forward to the trip.
“We know how tough it will be; they were off midweek and they have a big enough squad to keep things fresh, but we’ll give it our best. Hearts are a good side – the players and staff have done brilliantly and they sit comfortably in third.”
It will have to be another gritty display from the men in claret and amber on Saturday if they are to claim a result, as Motherwell’s thin squad remains stretched to excess.
Motherwell have played 45 matches this campaign – eleven less than Hearts – and have used just 25 players in the course of the season, which is joint-fewest in the entirety of the SPL. It makes ‘Well’s achievements this season all the more remarkable.
The boss doesn’t expect any extra bodies back for Saturday. Indeed, if anything, he will have fewer options for the trip to Gorgie.
“We probably won’t have anyone back; more people out if anything.” McCall admitted. “Hammell has a chance, but Jeffers, Gunning and Jennings (the latter suspended) are all out, and we are sweating over a couple more.
“But I’m not going to bleat about injuries. It’s not looking rosy but we will show the same spirit that we have for the last few games and look to get a result.”