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Stuart McCall is ready to lock horns with another old Ibrox buddy, in the same week that he faces Walter Smith and Ally McCoist at Hampden.

The ‘Well gaffer played alongside Derek McInnes with Rangers for three years and has nothing but praise for a man he calls ‘studious’ and ‘a top man’ – however friendships will be on a temporary hiatus at McDiarmid this week.

[onlymembers]“I think Derek McInnes has done a terrific job with St. Johnstone,” the Motherwell boss praised.

“I remember when Derek came to Rangers – when he was 23 or 24 – and he always wanted to listen and learn.  He was one that I always thought was the studious type and would go on to be a real success in the management side of things.

“He always wanted to improve himself as a player and as a person, and he is a top man; having said that, we’ll be enemies for ninety minutes.”

It looks as though the men in claret-and-amber will head to Perth without any more re-enforcements following Mike Grella’s deal collapsing last week, although the gaffer insists he is still keeping tabs on several players.

And McCall’s only signing so far, Steve Jones, performed admirably on his debut against Hibs on Saturday, making him likely to start on Wednesday.

“It’s been a frustrating period so far. We were undone by a little fiddly rule, and it was a real shame because he can now go back and play for an English club but he can’t come up to Scotland,” the ‘Well gaffer lamented.

“I spoke to the Leeds Chief Executive and even he didn’t know that loophole existed. It’s a rule which exists but, if I’m honest, I think it’s a poor one because the kid can’t come up here and play games and score goals – which has been good for many young players’ careers.

One positive of a difficult transfer window thus far has been the emergence of more talent from the under-21 pool.

Departures, injuries and suspensions have meant that Jon Page, Steven Meechan and Shaun Hutchison have been required to play a major role in recent weeks, and the young talents have not disappointed, with Hutchison, in particular, impressing in the stead of Mark Reynolds.

“We’re still out there looking and we have a week left so there is time. I’ve said before that we’re a little short on bodies, but the young players keep stepping up to the mark,” the former Bradford boss insisted.

“The younger players here have been schooled well and taught the game in the right way. It’s now a case of them getting games – whether here at Motherwell or out on loan at other clubs.

“Hutchison’s done really well, Forbes has played a couple of games and we’ve called on Meechan and Page. It’s pleasing to see these guys coming in to the team and doing well.

With the Motherwell squad looking particularly thin at the moment, all Steelmen fans will have taken a sharp inhalation of breath as Tom Hateley hobbled off against Hibs and Steve Jennings appeared to pick up an injury.

Thankfully it seems likely that both players will be ready to face the Saints on Wednesday, although the game has come around to quickly for another midfield stalwart as the Steelmen look to build upon a win over Hibs and propel towards securing a top six berth.

“A place in the top six has to be the aim for Motherwell,” McCall told the press ahead of the match with St. Johnstone. “The higher in the top six we can get, the better, but the first three spots in the league are already accounted for.

“Kilmarnock have been on a good run, Dundee United have games in hand and Inverness are a threat. I feel like there really isn’t much between the sides in the SPL. You can go down as far as Hamilton and there is still quality there.

“For the game, Tom (Hateley) and Jenno (Jennings) both got knocks at the weekend and I’m hoping Tom will make it for midweek; Jenno will definitely be fit.” McCall confirmed.

“The game has come a little bit too soon for Lasley, but we hope to have him back soon.”[/onlymembers]

Referee for tomorrow night’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park is Calum Murray.

Murray will be handling his first ‘Well game of the current campaign, but he’s a familiar face to ‘Well fans having been a top-flight official for eleven seasons.

Last season, he was the man in the middle for the 1-1 draw with Rangers last February; Tom Hateley netting a sensational equaliser for the Steelmen. He also took charge of the 3-2 home defeat by Dundee Utd in April when a John Sutton double wasn’t enough to give ‘Well the points.

Despite being such an experienced whistler, this will be the first time in Calum’s long career that he has taken charge of a Motherwell versus St Johnstone match.

His overall record in charge of the ‘Well is fairly decent. Of the thirteen games he has taken charge of, Motherwell have won seven, drawn two and lost four. The Steelmen have scored nineteen whilst sixteen have hit the back of the ‘Well net.

34 players have seen yellow on those thirteen matches, nineteen of which were shown to a player wearing Claret and Amber. Only one player has been sent for an early bath, Bob Malcolm in the famous 1-0 win over Celtic back in early 2008.

Calum will be ably assisted by Tom Murphy and Alan Cunningham with George Salmond on fourth official duties.

Steven Saunders was delighted to grab a goal against Hibs, although he insists it has come two months late.

The Scotland international defender scored a perfectly good goal the last time these two sides met at Easter Road in November, but it was disallowed by ex-association referee Dougie McDonald.

[onlymembers]This time there was no doubt about the veracity of Saunders’ goal as he bulleted a near-post header past Graeme Smith.

“Against Hibs at Easter Road I scored and it was given offside when it wasn’t, so it was about time I scored!” The highly-rated defender smiled.  “This makes up for it a bit.”

“To score a goal at any time is good for a defender, but we are more delighted with the clean sheet as that is what you are looking for playing at the back.

“The boys give me a bit of gip for not scoring often enough because of my height and my jump but for me it is about keeping clean sheets and playing well.”

It was a highly eventful afternoon for the 19-year old, who conceded a penalty as well as getting his name on the score-sheet.

Referee Alan Muir was left with no choice but to point to the spot as the former Queen’s Park youth handled in the box following a Danny Galbraith save.

Thankfully Marouane Zemamma wastefully launched his penalty kick over the bar, ensuring Saunders wasn’t punished and meaning Motherwell claimed their first SPL win since November last year.

“My foot gave away and I put my hand up and it was a silly mistake that I won’t make again,” Saunders said candidly.

“That is our first win since beating St. Johnstone back in November and it was good for us to get a win again. We have a couple of games in hand and we need to carry on picking up points.”[/onlymembers]

Vote for your Player of the 4th Round on the Scottish Cup Facebook page and be in with the chance of winning tickets to a 5th round match of your choice!

This is your chance to have a say in who wins the new Player of the Round trophy.

To enter, visit the Scottish Cup Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/scottishcup and click the ‘Poll’ tab! (You may have to ‘LIKE’ the Scottish Cup group before you are able to vote).

The winner is announced on Monday 24 January so get voting, quick!

I’ve not long managed to sit down after another hectic day matchday. Thankfully, this week, we’ve had a positive result against Hibs which puts in right back in the mix in the race for fourth.

I told the press after the game that I would like us to be more creative but, at the same time, we’ve kept four clean sheets in the last five games which is extremely positive.

Another very pleasing aspect of today’s match was the performances of some of our younger players. We almost expect a performance from the likes of Steven Saunders and Jamie Murphy but Shaun Hutchinson has turned in yet another excellent display and I thought both Steven Meechan and Jonathan Page didn’t look out of place at all.

We had some bad news in the shape of a knock to Tom Hateley but I am pleased to report that I don’t think it is as bad as we first feared, and he’s in contention for Wednesday night’s game in Perth.

I’d also like to take the time to thank the fans who came along and gave the team great support today. I know Steve Jones, in particular, was delighted with the reaction he got and I that is a testament to the great fans we have here at Fir Park.

At the same time, I would encourage you all to keep at your friends and family to come along to Fir Park. We had 4,202 fans watching us today but I am hopeful with improve displays and the re-emergence of some of our younger talent, we can swell those numbers.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend and I’ll hopefully see as many as you as possible at McDiarmid Park on Wednesday night.

Forever Claret and Amber,

Stuart McCall
Manager

Stuart McCall watched his side keep yet another clean sheet, but pleasingly ‘Well also got back on the goal trail with a 2-0 win against Hibs.

Before this match Stuart McCall’s ‘Well had kept three clean sheets in four games but were still to claim their first SPL win.

[onlymembers]Naturally the gaffer was delighted to keep one of those records going – while decimating the other.

“That is now four clean sheets in five games which we are pleased with,” the former Bradford boss praised.

“We would like to be more creative at times but the park was a bit bumpy so we have to be happy with the result.

“People had been talking about Hibs going through a bad run, but we hadn’t won in ten weeks of SPL football. There was a lot of pressure on us too.
 
“It was a good game for us and it was one we were delighted to win. A massive three points for us from a game we needed to win.”

Motherwell were fully deserving of their three points. The Steelmen were particularly impressive in the first period, and went in ahead at the break thanks to goals from Jamie Murphy and Stevie Saunders.

‘Well were aided by a wasteful Marouane Zemamma penalty kick which the Moroccan smashed over the bar following a Saunders handball.

“We were then a bit fortunate with the penalty, which was missed,” McCall admitted.  “Then after that I thought we dug the result out, and there are lots of ways to win football matches.

“We also worked hard on set pieces and we delivered some great balls and I was delighted to get the goals that way.”

This result is a massive boost for Motherwell, and puts ‘Well one point behind fifth placed Inverness Caledonian Thistle, with a game in hand and only four points behind Killie in fourth, with one game in hand over Mixu’s men.

All of a sudden the campaign has a more positive hue, and the gaffer is still in the market for a couple of new faces after the disappointment of missing out on Mike Grella due to a cross-border technicality.

In the meantime the former Everton and Rangers midfielder was full of praise for his young ‘Well stars Jonothan Page and Steven Meechan who performed admirably when called upon.

“We are getting a load of names fired at us but we have to make sure we get the right people in,” the 46-year old boss insisted. “It will only be loan players and it will have to be from England. We will be looking to get somebody in before the end of the window.”
 
“We need everyone to contribute when called upon especially when you have a small squad like we’ve got.
 
“Page has never played in that position (central midfield) before but I just felt Zemmama was beginning to get some space and cause us some problems. We were in the fortunate position to hold on to what we have got, and Page and Meechan did their job for the team.”[/onlymembers]

Pictures from the 2-0 win over Hibernian in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Fir Park.

These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

[svgallery name=”hibs220111″]

[tab:Match report]

Motherwell picked up their first three points under Stuart McCall against a struggling Hibs side at Fir Park this afternoon.

First half goals from Jamie Murphy and Steven Saunders ensured the Steelmen claimed their first league win since November 10th last year.

The visitors didn’t create too much in the way of clear-cut opportunities but did force a penalty after Steven Saunders handled inside the area. Thankfully, Merouane Zemmama ballooned his effort over the bar ending Hibs’ hopes of a comeback.

McCall made two changes from the side that drew 0-0 with Inverness last weekend. The injured Keith Lasley dropped out, replaced by the returning Steven Saunders and new signing Steve Jones was given his first start with Ross Forbes forced to accept a place amongst the substitutes.

Motherwell started brightly and John Sutton came within inches of putting ‘Well ahead after just two minutes. A quick thinking throw by Steven Saunders played Murphy in. His ball across the face of goal almost found Sutton but a last ditch tackle from Francis Dickoh saved a certain goal.

Hibs reply, some five minutes later, was a John Rankin free-kick that bobbled way wide of Darren Randolph post. Former ‘Well player Kevin McBride had his own long-range effort shortly after, but it troubled the ball boy in the lower tier of the South Stand more than ‘Well keeper Randolph.

But it was Motherwell who finally broke through prolific striker Jamie Murphy. A free-kick from about thirty yards out was met by the young striker, as he got the faintest of touches to take it past Graeme Smith who appeared to lose the flight of the ball.

Four minutes later Motherwell were in dreamland as defender Steven Saunders made it two. Chris Humphrey won a corner on the right, and the in-swinging kick from Hammell was met by the youngster at the near post who powered a header home.

Motherwell continued to press in search of a third and Sutton almost provided it. It was corners again causing problem, with Sutton meeting another Hammell delivery, but his effort flew way over. Murphy followed that with a low shot from the edge of the box that former ‘Well stopper Smith smothered comfortably.

Motherwell looked to be cruising to a comfortable half-time lead but gave Hibs a road back into the game with a needless penalty. A cross towards the back post was handled by Steven Saunders and the referee pointed to the spot. Thankfully for the Steelmen, Merouane Zemmama blazed his kick over the bar.

Hibs made a change at the interval as Colin Nish, so often the scourge of Motherwell, came on to replace Darryl Duffy. Five minutes into the second half, ‘Well made a change of their own with young Steven Meechan replacing Tom Hateley who limped off.

The visitors were desperate for a goal to get them back into the game and Zemmama almost made up  for his penalty miss with a shot that brought out a good save from Darren Randolph. ‘Well switched off from a throw in, allowing the Morrocan in, but his fizzing effort was saved at the second attempt by the Irish keeper.

John Rankin ballooned a shot way over the bar and Zemmama, again, thundered a free-kick just over the bar as the away side continued to chap at the door in search of a goal.

The game slowed in pace but it was still the away side that were creating the chances. Colin Nish got on the end of a deep free-kick but his half-volley flew over Randolph’s crossbar.

Calderwood introduced Derek Riordan in place of Rankin and the enigmatic striker almost brought his side back into things with a testing free-kick but, once again, Darren Randolph was well placed to catch.

That would prove to be the last chance of the match as ‘Well held out for the crucial win. Other than the win, McCall can celebrate his fourth clean sheet in five games as the Steelmen move to within a point of fifth placed Inverness with two games in hand.

[tab:As it happened]

Graham Barnstaple at Fir Park

Full time – excellent 2-0 win with what ended up a very young team. First League win for McCall – well done – bring on Saints on Wednesday

90mins+3 – McBride’s a lucky boy only to get yellow for a kick at Murphy as he got away from him

90mins – We are now into three minutes of added on time

89mins – Sponsors have just announced that they have awarded John Sutton their man of the match

88mins – Riordan free over well but easily held by Randolph – we are making hard work of closing this out!

85mins – Hibs sub – Zemmama replaced by Kurtis Byrne

83mins – another Hibs yellow as Thicot goes through Murphy out wide.

80mins – Rioran booked for dissent as ref actually gives a foul in Sutton’s favour

74mins – Ref Alan Muir has given more free kicks against us today than in any other game this season

68mins – Riordan on for Rankin, his first touch sends a free kick into arms of Randolph

63mins – Page on for debutant Jones, new man work hard and showed a few nice touches

59mins – Zemmama sends a free kick just over as Hibs have us on the back foot a bit in the early stages

55mins – Crowd of 4202 turned up today

53mins – Zemmama shot from 12 yards looked to be squirming through keeper’s hands but Randolph holds on

50mins – Meechan on for Hateley who limps off

47mins – After ref consultation with 4th official Derek Adams is sent to the Stand – must’ve been something he said – just back from ban too!

45mins – Forgot to add Saunders was booked for the handball at the penalty

45mins – Teams back out – Hibs change with Nish on for Duffy

45mins+1 – That’s half time, and we leave the field with a well deserved two goal lead, if they had scored from the pen it would have been a travesty

44mins – pen for Hibs, Saunders handles Galbraith cross, Zemmama takes and thankfully blasts miles over – that was an escape.

41mins – Murphy trundler from 25 yards is an easy save for Buzz – who gets applause for the save from the Cooper Stand

28mins – Rankin shown yellow for a challenge on Hateley, looked a bit harsh from this distance

24mins – GOOOOOALLLLLL! – 2-0, Hammell in swinging corner to front post headed in by Saunders – no doubt about scorer this time

20mins – First league goal under Stuart McCall, it was a bit like the goal Smith lost to Nancy at Fir Park

20mins – GOOOOAAALLLL – Hammell free kick from about 30 yards out, floated over the defence and over a flapping Smith, although Murphy claiming

15mins – Stuart McCall is still wearing shorts despite how cold it is – either mad or brave

12mins – Assistant ref resorts to sending semaphore signals as he tries to help the ref!

10mins – two long range efforts for Hibs but neither trouble Randolph in the Well goal

1min – early chance for Well when a long throw reaches Sutton via Murphy but defence see it out.

Pre-Match – Well kick off and are kicking towards the Cooper Stand, who give Graeme Smith a warm welcome

Pre-Match – Teams out and the handshakes are all complete just waiting on the toss before we get underway

Pre-Match – Steve Jones is wearing the number 17 jersey vacated by Marc Fitzpatrick when he moved to Ross County

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall:

“It wasn’t a classic, people had been talking about Hibs going through a bad run but we hadn’t won in 10 weeks of SPL football. There was a lot of pressure on us after Hibs having a bad result against Ayr in midweek.

“It was a good game for us and it was one we were delighted to come away with three points.”

“We were then a bit fortunate with the penalty, which was missed. Then after that I thought we dogged it out, and there are lots of ways to win football matches.

“That is now four clean sheets in five games which we are pleased with, we would like to be more creative at times. The condition of the park was a bit bumpy and made it hard to play but overall satisfied with the result.”

Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood:

“I’m frustrated because there were bits of that game that were good for us. What was pleasing was the application from 2-0 down.

“We then created one or two very good opportunities but the team that made the least mistakes has won the game. There is nothing else the winning team has done better than us.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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