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Steven Saunders has successfully fought back from injury and has now set his sights on fighting for a top-six spot  as the split approaches.

The Scotland international spent a frustrating few weeks on the sidelines during the early stages of Stuart McCall’s reign as gaffer, but he has come back diligently and has looked back to his best in recent matches.

The 19-year old now wants to help ‘Well toughen their grip on sixth place with a win at Rugby Park on Saturday afternoon.

“Nobody wants to be injured and I’m delighted to be back playing football. Every game between now and the split is exciting for me and massively important for the club.

“A good result against Kilmarnock will go far to achieving a top-six spot for us but there are a lot of teams still fighting in there and we know how tough it will be in the run-in.

“We were unlucky the last time we played Kilmarnock here; we missed a few chances and the weather didn’t help – but we played well.”

Saunders was speaking a matter of days after it was confirmed that he would be a part of Billy Stark’s Scotland under-21 squad for the upcoming friendly against Belgium.

The ‘Well starlet will be one of the few members of that squad with full international experience, having made his Scotland debut against the Faroe Islands last year, but he is typically modest about future senior ambitions – and he insists that the prospect of going away with the 21’s is an exciting prospect.

“I was lucky to get the call-up for the full team,” Saunders admitted. “But I think any more senior caps are still a bit away at the moment. I was very grateful for Craig Levein to call me up, but I’m settled in the 21’s and I’ll be concentrating on that.

“It’s still massively exciting to get called up. I’m still only 19, so to go away with an international squad is great for me. It’ll be pretty much a new group since the last time I was away so it will be good to meet the new boys.”

The Quarter Final replay is set for Wednesday 30th of March and we have a fantastic hospitality package open to all fans for only £55.

A delicious two course meal will be served in the Centenary Suite between 5.45pm and 6.45pm.

Your match ticket, programme and team sheet is included in the price and half time tea will be served at your table.

Menu

* Herby Chicken Casserole with Creamy Mash
* Steak Pie
* Pasta Pomodoro with Roast Tomato Sauce and Parmesan Shavings (v)
Served with Breads and Salads

* Chocolate Fudge Cake with Cream

* Teas, Coffees and Tablet squares

For more information or to book your place, contact us now on 01698 338062.

Motherwell FC are planning a number of events this April and May to commemorate some important historical dates in the clubs’ history.

We plan to celebrate the 20th anniversary of our famous 1991 Scottish Cup win in style.  Details of how you can become involved will be made available soon.

We will mark our 125th year anniversary with a number of events involving heroes from the past and present.

And that’s not all… New for Season 10-11, the Motherwell FC Player of the Season Event 2010/11 will take place in April followed by our annual Sponsor’s Event in May. 

All dates to be confirmed soon; check the official website for further details.

Update:

SPONSOR’S NIGHT

Our annual Sponsor’s Event in will take place on Sunday, May 15th.  All Player Sponsors will receive their invitation to this prestigious event over the next few days.

This year, you will be able to bring along any of your treasured Motherwell FC items to be signed by the players. 

If there’s anything you’d like signed, please make our staff aware on arrival.  You’ll be able to collect your items at the end of the night.

Stuart McCall has insisted that his side will continue their attacking approach as they visit Rugby Park this weekend.

The Steelmen turned in a swashbuckling display against Dundee United in the Scottish Cup last weekend, and were unlucky not to turn the attacking football into a victory against the cup holders.

And ‘Well fans travelling to Ayrshire will be treated to similarly forward-thinking approach from the visitors.

“There are players here who are terrific going forward and we’ve proved that on occasion this season,” the former Everton midfielder praised. “That is bound to create chances.

“We were very pleased with the performance we put in up at Tannadice. We’re looking for consistency, like everyone else, but we have proved since I’ve been here that we can put in some really good performances. So there are no excuses for the players.

“You can’t guarantee a performance but you can guarantee total commitment and that is what we’ll get on Saturday.”  

With just five points separating Mixu Paatelainen’s Kilmarnock side and Motherwell, this weekend could prove pivotal in the chase for a high top-six finish. Indeed, a win over Killie could almost put insurmountable breathing space between ‘Well and the teams below them – although, understandably, McCall is reluctant to make any guarantees.

“If we could go down there and close it to just two points then things would get very interesting,” the Steelmen boss said keenly. “But both sides have got eyes on that top-six spot, Kilmarnock have done terrifically well this season while we are on the fringes of things, but a win on Saturday could change that.

“Nothing will be assured with three games left, but a good result will put us in a great position.”

The Steelmen will be looking for a more positive result – but not necessarily performance – from the last encounter with Kilmarnock, a 1-0 defeat at Fir Park.

Despite that defeat Motherwell performed admirably well, and only a sensational display by Scotland international Cammy Bell denied McCall’s charges a comfortable victory.

“There’s no way we deserved to lose the game we had against them here. We had a good few chances that day and just didn’t take them.

“We were really disappointed to lose that match, but Saturday is a new match. We’ve already won at Rugby Park this season and we’d take the same 1-0 win again from earlier in the season.”

Aside from league business, McCall also acknowledged the recent Scottish Cup semi-final draw, which sees Motherwell face either Brechin or St. Johnstone – if they can defeat Dundee United.

Naturally it is a prospect that will whet the appetite of all ‘Well fans, but the boss is focussing on SPL matters for the moment.

“Our focus is totally on the Kilmarnock game,” McCall insisted. “After that we will look at the cup tie coming up.

“We know how important it is for this club to get into the top-six and that has to be our aim at the moment.”

Motherwell are back on the road this weekend when they make the short journey down the M77 to face Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

The game, kicking off at 12 noon live on ESPN, is crucial for both sides in the race to secure a top-six finish.

Motherwell battled hard for a 2-2 draw against Dundee United last weekend and, on the same day, Kilmarnock were unlucky to leave Ibrox with at least a point after losing a late goal in a 2-1 defeat.

The Steelmen ran out 1-0 winners the last time the teams met in Ayrshire although Mixu Paatelainen’s men will line-up infinitely different from the one that ‘Well faced back in August.

Tickets will be available on the gate at Rugby Park with admission prices as follows:

• Concessions are listed as Over 65s, Under 18s and Full Time Students.
• Juveniles are listed as aged 12 and under.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Elaine MacDonald at the club on 01698 338068 or email tickets@motherwellfc.co.uk.

SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION COACHES

CENTRAL BRANCH

The bus for Kilmarnock will leave the Bentley Hotel at 10.30am. Phone Jim on (01698) 299650 or e-mail Christopher on christopher_hutton@btinternet.com.

WISHAW BRANCH

The Wishaw bus to Rugby Park will leave at 10.15am. To book seats please call Anne on 01698470601 or email andrew.sim48@btinternet.com.

BELLSHILL & DISTRICT BRANCH

The Kilmarnock bus will pick up at the Carousel Bar, Bellshill at 9.50am, Holytown War Monument at 10am and finally the Fir Park Club, Motherwell at 10.15am. To book seats, contact Brian Worton on 07763 061821 or after 6pm on (01698) 747644.

FAN INFORMATION

Motherwell fans should note that no flags will be admitted to Rugby Park tomorrow.

TRAVEL

BY CAR

The stadium is located close to the town centre is well signposted for travelling fans.

Follow the A71 towards Kilmarnock and then take the A759 (Dundonald Road) into the town. You will eventually come to the stadium on the left.

If travelling from the North, follow the M77, which becomes the A77 on approach to Kilmarnock. Exit on to the B7802 (Grassyards Road) and head towards the town centre.

Continue forward on to High Street, turning right at the traffic lights on to Fowlds Street. Then turn left at St Marnock Street on to the A759 (Dundonald Road). The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

BY BUS

Several operators run buses which will take you within a five to 10 minute walk of the ground, including First service X76.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.firstgroup.com/glasgow.

BY TRAIN

Kilmarnock station is served by trains from Glasgow and is within walking distance of the ground.

Upon leaving the station, walk down John Finnie Street and turn right at the traffic lights on to Portland Road. Then take the second left on to South Hamilton Street and the stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

Further information and timetables are available online at www.scotrail.co.uk.

MAP

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Motherwell’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay with Dundee United has been moved back 24 hours to Wednesday 30th March.

The change has been agreed as a solution to the position both clubs found themselves in as a consequence of international duty.

The kick-off remains 7.45pm with ticket information to follow soon…

Youngsters Steven Saunders and Gavin Gunning have been called up to their respective U21 squads.

Saunders has been included in Billy Stark’s 20-man Scotland U21 squad for the International Challenge Match against Belgium a week on Thursday.

The game will be played at Burgemeester Van De Wielestadion, Deinze – kick-off 7.00pm

On-loan Blackburn defender Gunning has also been named in the Republic of Ireland U21 pool for their friendly match against Portugal.

Head Coach Noel King has included Gunning as a part of the squad that will fly to Portugal for the game at Stadium Municipal Águeda on Friday 25th March (kick-off 5.15pm).

Referee for Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Kilmarnock will be Mike Tumilty.

39-year-old Tumilty will be taking charge of his fourth ‘Well game of the campaign, having previously been the man in the middle for the 1-0 win at Rugby Park back in August, the 2-0 away success at Tynecastle at the end of September and the 2-1 win at the Caledonian Stadium.

Four games is way more than he managed the whole of last season however, where he took charge of just the one ‘Well game. That was at Fir Park; a single Lukas Jutkiewicz goal was enough to give the Steelmen a 1-0 win over local rivals Hamilton Accies in February.

The season before last, he overseen the home win against Accies (again) as well the 2-0 defeat at the hands of Kilmarnock in a miserable Monday night at Fir Park – live on the now defunct Setanta Sports.

It’s been a busy season for Mike who has handled twelve SPL games already this campaign, most recently Aberdeen 0 – 0 draw with Hearts at Pittodrie four week ago.

His overall record in charge of Motherwell is pretty good. Of the ten Motherwell games he has officiated, the Steelmen have won eight, drawn nil and lost two. Eighteen goals have hit the back of the opponents net, whilst only eight have been conceded.

30 yellow cards have been flashed in those games, 18 to a player wearing Claret and Amber. Thankfully, not one single player has seen red.

He will be ably assisted by Brian Templeton and Stephen Allan with Steve Conroy appointed as fourth official.

Talented Motherwell goalkeeper Darren Randolph has been included in the Republic of Ireland squad for the first time.

Randolph, 23, has been in sensational form for the Steelmen this season and has already broken the club record for clean sheets in one campaign (sixteen so far in 2010/2011).

Giovanni Trapattoni’s 29-man squad will take on Macedonia on March 26 and Uruguay on March 29.

Randolph is the only SPL based player to be included in the side although Celtic’s on-loan defender Darren O’Dea makes the squad. His inclusion fulfils a personal ambition for the player who has played at every other International level for his country, including a ‘B’ cap against Scotland a few years ago.

“It has been a while since my last involvement in International football so the call today has been very pleasing indeed,” said Randolph, speaking exclusively to motherwellfc.co.uk.

“Some people questioned my move to Scotland but so far things have exceeded my expectations. Motherwell is a superb club to play for with a proven track record of developing players. When I choose to leave Charlton, I have to be honest and say that getting a call-up to the full Ireland squad wasn’t in my immediate thoughts.

“I wanted to get out and play regularly as a number one; a fresh challenge really. I felt that coming to Motherwell was the right move for me and, so far at least, it’s been a dream.

“I prefer to be a guy who looks forward rather than sitting back and admiring what has gone on. Things have been great so far but we can still push on and end the season with even greater highs. For me personally, and the team, we still have goals to achieve and that is my aim.

“But, it is a great feeling to see your name included in the full international squad. I’ve played at every level from schoolboy up to ‘B’ International and this was something that I’ve always dreamed about.”

Motherwell Football Club would like to congratulate Darren on his first senior call-up and wish him every success when he meets up with the group at the end of the month.

St Johnstone or Brechin lie in wait for the winner of Motherwell’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final replay with Dundee United.

The semi final draw took place today at Largs today with Alan Irvine and Alan Stubbs joining SFA president George Peat.

Motherwell or Dundee United came out the hat first, quickly followed by Saints or Brechin.

The ties are scheduled to be played on the weekend on 16/17 April at Hampden Park.

Full draw:

Motherwell or Dundee Utd vs St Johnstone or Brechin
Aberdeen or St Mirren vs Inverness CT or Celtic