Hampden switch of no concern to Motherwell boss

Stuart Kettlewell (right) had Hampden as his home ground while playing for Queen's Park

Stuart Kettlewell insists "it doesn't change anything for me" if he has to take his Motherwell side to Hampden Park instead of Ibrox to face Rangers at the start of the Scottish Premiership season.

Last season's runners-up have been forced to seek a temporary home after being hit by delays to renovation work at their own stadium.

Discussions are continuing between Rangers and the Scottish FA with a view to some early season fixtures being played at the national stadium.

Motherwell are due to visit Rangers on 10 August, the second week of the league campaign.

"It doesn't change anything for me at all," manager Kettlewell said. "I'm certainly not sitting here firing shots at anybody because of a situation.

"Very simply, on the given day, we'll have to play against Rangers. Any time we do, they're a good side and it's always a difficult day, it's always a tough game."

Kettlewell, 40, knows Hampden well, having started his playing career at Queen's Park.

"I played a lot of games there, certainly in my days at Queen's Park.

"You're going to one of the best stadiums in the country and what will be a big crowd and all these different factors that are always involved in it.

"But I don't really focus on the surroundings too much. I focus on what's on the pitch. So no excuses from our side of it, no changing our mindset and mentality."

Rangers also host Ross County on 24 August - a week after the Premier Sports Cup second round, when Philippe Clement's side could also be drawn at home - before their third home league match comes against Hibernian on 28 September.

The Ibrox club will also have at least one home Champions League qualifier to consider.