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Carling, the official beer of the Scotland team, are offering fans the chance to pull on the Scotland shirt and play a game of football at Hampden Park.

The Final of ‘Hampden Calling’ will see two teams go head to head at Hampden, as Scotland Home v Scotland Away, with a matchday experience that will make it feel like you really are following in the footsteps of legends.

Former Motherwell star Gary McAllister first pulled on a Scotland shirt in 1990 against East Germany, and went on to play for his country 57 times, captain the side on 31 occasions, and score 5 goals. 

He said:  “There’s nothing like playing at Hampden for any Scot.  Any cap you get is great, but that is the pinnacle.  I captained Scotland in games at Hampden and there aren’t many better feelings than being at the front as you walk out, then singing the national anthem.  The guys that make it to the Hampden Calling Final will absolutely love it!”

Carling are looking for you and your mates to enter a team for stage one which is a series of five-a-side tournaments in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Ayr, Dundee, and Edinburgh. 

16 lucky teams will be picked out from all entries to take part in each event (there are 2 in Glasgow), with the best two teams from each making it through to the next stage.  The two teams who make it through will be merged into an 11-a-side super team with coaching from the Scottish FA. 

The semi-finals will see the regional sides go head to head at the Toryglen Football Centre in Glasgow, with the two best going to the big Final at Hampden Park.

To find out more, and enter your 5s team, go to www.carling.com/hampdencalling .

Competition closes on Tuesday 15th May 2012.

Free to enter.  Over 18s only.  T&Cs online.

Shaun Hutchinson insists the Motherwell dressing room is full of confidence ahead of Sunday’s trip to the Capital to face Hibs.

The Steelmen have lost the last two; coming unstuck against Communities League Cup winners Kilmarnock as they celebrated lifting the trophy at Rugby Park two weeks ago, then losing 2-1 to a rejuvenated Rangers last weekend. 

However, the Fir Parkers won many plaudits for the way they played against the current Champions and most observers would probably agree a point would’ve been a fairer reflection on how the afternoon went.

That showing, says Hutchinson, has given the players a lift as they look to bounce back against Pat Fenlon’s side on Sunday.

“Every time I’ve been there (Easter Road) it has always been a tough match,” he said.

“We went there earlier this season and got a good 1-0 win thanks to a Jamie Murphy goal. We have shown we are capable of good performances on the road this season so we go there looking for the three points.

“Although we’ve lost the last two, our performance against Rangers has given the players confidence and everyone has trained well this week. We’ve had a boost and hopefully that can continue into Sunday’s match.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ON MFC TV-

Motherwell boss Stuart McCall expects Motherwell and Hibs to serve up yet another classic this Sunday at Easter Road.

It’s a fixture that has become famous, certainly in recent times, for producing a bucket load of goals.

Indeed, the last seven meetings have produced a jaw-dropping 34 goals and McCall expects fans to be entertained again this weekend.

“When we went there earlier in the season it was an excellent performance from us, lots of chances and their goalkeeper rightly won man of the match,” he recalled.

“The two games are Fir Park were excellent, entertaining affairs too. The 2-2 Cup game was end-to-end and could have finished any score with the amount of chances created at both ends.

“Then the 4-3 game a few months ago was another that had everyone on the edge of their seat.

“But we will obviously have to be at our very best on Sunday if we want to pick up anything. We’ve lost the last two, albeit the performance against a strong Rangers side was excellent, and Hibs have had a bit of an upturn in form, culminating in a great win in Inverness last weekend.

“With the likes of Griffiths, O’Connor, Sproule and others, they have the talent to cut teams open. On the flip side, we also have attacking players capable of lighting things up – it has all the ingredients for an excellent match.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Motherwell Football Club will once again subsidise Supporter Association coaches travelling to Easter Road this Sunday.

The Hibernian clash is one of six vital ties between now and the end of the season as the Steelmen battle it out with Dundee Utd, St Johnstone and Hearts for third place.

The club have offered to half the price of normal travel on buses, now just £5 return, to try and encourage as many people to get along on Easter Sunday as possible.

Chief Executive Leeann Dempster added, “This is the second time we have subsidised away travel this year and we think it is important to acknowledge the brilliant support we’ve had on the road throughout 2011/12.

“This is obviously just one of six matches between now and the end of the season and Stuart, Kenny and the lads will need all the backing possible.

To secure your seat to Edinburgh, get in touch with your local branch.

>> Ticket & Travel Information

Stuart McCall has spoken of his relief at being cleared of any wrongdoing by the SFA’s Disciplinary Tribunal this morning.

The Motherwell manager was offered a one match ban by Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny following his dismissal at the Scottish Cup Quarter Final clash with Aberdeen at Fir Park on 11th March.

Former Scotland midfielder McCall opted to reject that offer prompting today’s hearing at Hampden.

The three-man panel heard submissions from both McCall and referee Craig Thomson but found in favour of the Steelmen gaffer who is now available to take his place in the dugout this Sunday against Hibs.

Speaking exclusively to MFC TV, McCall said: “I said after the incident that I had nothing to fear and nothing to hide.

“If we got a fair hearing, which I expected and we did then I was confident it would be cleared up.

“I was disappointed to be sent to the stand during the match first and foremost. I certainly more than served my punishment but in fairness to Craig Thomson, who was at the hearing, he spoke the truth and said I didn’t swear and wasn’t aggressive. His words probably helped the panel come to their decision.

“I was also disappointed to be offered a ban and I felt I had to appeal it as what I did and said certainly wasn’t abusive or insulting language and that proved to be the case.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW EXCLUSIVELY ON MFC TV-

One lucky ‘Well fan was presented with a framed Breathing Space T-shirt signed by star players Michael Higdon, Jamie Murphy & Tom Hateley at Saturday’s game against Rangers.

The winner, Gordon Munro, was presented with his prize at Fir Park at half time, having answered a competition question in the match day programme correctly.

Tony McLaren, Breathing Space National Coordinator said: “Well done to Gordon, hopefully he has enjoyed the match today.

“This competition was a bit of fun and helps to raise awareness about services such Breathing Space and NHS Living Life. Football is a great avenue for promoting the importance of looking after your mental wellbeing.”

Breathing Space is a free and confidential phone and web based service for any individual who is experiencing low mood or depression, or who is unusually worried and in need of someone to talk to.

For emotional support, talk in confidence with trained advisors by calling Breathing Space on 0800 83 85 87 or visit www.breathingspacescotland.co.uk.

Phonelines are open from 6pm to 2am Monday to Thursday and 24 hours at weekends (6pm on Friday to Monday 6am). A British Sign Language service can be accessed from the website.

‘Well boss Stuart McCall has been found not guilty by the Disciplinary Tribunal at a Principal Hearing at Hampden this morning.

McCall had been served with a Notice of Complaint by the governing body after an alleged breach of Disciplinary Rule 203 covering misconduct at a match by dissent and the repeated use of abusive and insulting language, at Motherwell’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final clash with Aberdeen at Fir Park.

SFA Compliance Officer Vincent Lunny contacted the club offering the former Scotland midfielder a one match ban or the option to take the case to a tribunal which he did.

The three-man panel sat this morning and ruled in favour of the Motherwell boss, leaving him free to take his place in the dugout this Sunday against Hibernian.

Reaction to follow…

An experienced Motherwell reserve side edged out Hamilton Accies at Fir Park this afternoon thanks to a Bob McHugh double.

The Steelmen, containing the likes of Jamie Murphy, Omar Daley, Ross Forbes, Steven Saunders, Lee Hollis and the aforementioned McHugh were too strong for a young Accies outfit.

The Fir Parkers took an early lead; Euan Murray’s long ball opening the game up for Steven Lawless on the flank. The winger dinked past two before feeding Murphy with a neat reverse pass into the box.

The former Scotland U21 striker had made a great run and completed the excellent move by turning it across the face for McHugh who tucked home from close range.

It remained that way until the Steelmen doubled their advantage midway through the second period. Adam Cummins won a loose ball in the middle of the park and, at the same time, provided a chance for Omar Daley to start an attack.

The Jamaican raced towards the touchline, cut inside his marked before teeing up for an unmarked McHugh who swept in into the net via the left hand upright.

Motherwell: Hollis, Saunders (Devlin), Murray, Cummins, Halsman (Francis-Angol), Hetherington, Forbes (Youth Trialist), Lawless, Murphy (Watt), Daley (McGachie), McHugh

.TV – Match Hightlights

.TV – Kenny Black’s Reaction

Young striker Lee Erwin has been named in the Scotland squad for their Under-18 International Challenge Match with Serbia.

Ricky Sbragia has named a 19-man squad for two International Challenge Matches later this month.

The games will serve as preparation for the 2013 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifying round which will be hosted by Scotland (area and stadiums to be confirmed) in October this year.

Scotland are in Group 9 for the qualifying round and will take on Switzerland, Armenia and Romania.

The top two teams progress to the elite round stage which will be staged in spring 2013 with the 8-team finals tournament taking place in Lithuania that summer.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Philip Anderson (Dundee United), Jack Hamilton (Heart of Midlothian)

Defenders

Joseph Chalmers (Celtic), Marcus Fraser (Celtic), Ross Gilmour (Dundee United), Jack Grimmer (Fulham), Stephen Kingsley (Falkirk), Michael Miller (Celtic), Jason Naismith (St Mirren)

Midfielders

Jay Fulton (Falkirk), John Herron (Celtic), Lewis MacLeod (Rangers), Callum Paterson (Heart of Midlothian), Samuel Stanton (Hibernian)

Forwards

Lee Erwin (Motherwell), Matthew Kennedy (Kilmarnock), Barrie McKay (Rangers), Declan McManus (Aberdeen), Thomas Reilly (St Mirren)

Motherwell will make the journey east along the M8 to face Hibernian at Easter Road this Sunday lunchtime.

Tickets for the match are available from the Easter Road Ticket Office (South Stand) on the day of the match, or on the gate priced at the following:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s, Under 18s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.

SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION COACHES

WISHAW BRANCH

The bus to Easter Road on Sunday 8th April will leave from Kenilworth Avenue, Wishaw at 10.45am. To book seats please call Anne on 01698384050 or email andysim2@sky.com.

CENTRAL BRANCH

The bus will leave the Bentley Hotel at 10.30am on Sunday 8 April.

To book a seat email christopher_hutton@btinternet.com or give Jim a call on 01698 299650

BELLSHILL & DISTRICT BRANCH

The Hibernian bus will pick up at the Carousel Bar, Bellshill at 10.10am, then the Fir Park Club, Motherwell at 10.20am and finally the Holytown War Monument at 10.30am. To book seats, contact Brian Worton on 07763 061821 or after 6pm on (01698) 747644.

TRAVEL

BY CAR

The stadium is located to the East of the city and is one of the more difficult grounds to find in the SPL.

Follow the M8 until its end and then take the A720 South, joining the A701 towards the city centre. Upon reaching the city centre, head left on to the A900 (signposted Leith), leaving at the junction with the B1350 to turn right on to London Road.

Then take the fourth left at the crossroads on to Easter Road, followed by the fourth right on to Albion Road. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

If travelling from the South, follow the A1 into Edinburgh before turning right on to the B1350 (London Road). Then turn right at the crossroads on to Easter Road, followed by the fourth right on to Albion Road.

Street parking is available on numerous streets around the ground.

BY BUS

Several operators run buses to Edinburgh, departing every hour from Buchanan Station in Glasgow city centre.

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

BY TRAIN

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

Upon leaving the station, cross Princes Street and head for Leith Walk, which is directly opposite the exit. Follow the road for approximately 1/4 mile and turn right on to the B1350 (London Road). Then turn left on to Easter Road and take the fourth right on to Albion Road. The stadium will be clearly visible ahead.

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

MAP

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