Motherwell

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Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell insists he "doesn't have an ego" following criticism of referee Chris Graham in their 2-1 defeat to Ross County.

Kettlewell was unimpressed with the level of officiating during Saturday's game in Dingwall, particularly the lengthy delay for a VAR check on Zach Robinson's late goal.

"Ross County will enjoy the day because they get three points, but I doubt anyone enjoyed that game of football," the Motherwell manager said.

"There was never a flow allowed to the game because of the fouls given.

"I don't have an ego in any shape or form, I just want to see a game of football played.

"I'm not looking for time-wasting. We can talk about the conditions, but if I was a paying supporter I would be incredibly hurt by that.

"We have to do better in the second half, but there can't be one supporter in the stadium that enjoyed the lack of flow in that game.

"When we score, they look nervy, but we have to wait six minutes to get the game going again which kills any momentum we might have built."

Watch Sportscene analysis of Motherwell's 2-1 defeat against Ross County.

Watch highlights as Ross County win 2-1 against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-1 defeat against Ross County.

Here's what some of you said:

George: Stuart Kettlewell never seems to learn that certain obvious weaknesses need to be rectified and a settled more sold team structure established. This notion that we can always get out of difficulties by bringing on the cavalry late on is archaic. Get the starting line-up established which mainly involves a striking partnership and coherent midfield.

Grant: Really poor, no point in saying we can't play Tawanda Maswanhise from the start, as we will soon be missing him when he goes to the African Cup of Nations. Get Filip Stuparevic back from Morton, where he has been banging them in.

Eddie: A poor performance. Even when we win it's not entertaining. The blame is firmly at the managers door.

Andrew: Shambolic, this result is why the current management team will never secure a European position or indeed a top-six spot. I would like them to explain the thinking behind the starting XI and the tactics afforded. Once again instead of pressing on in the league we fall woefully short, just like the Dundee game a few weeks back.

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• Ronan Hale has scored five goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Ross County player.

• Lennon Miller has assisted four goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), more than any other Motherwell player.

• Ronan Hale attempted six shots in this game, the joint-highest total for a Ross County player in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have scored in their last three games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of six games from 10th August 2024 to 5th October 2024.

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: "Frustration. I feel sorry for the fans who came up, the game had little quality and a nature the support can't enjoy, stop-start constantly.

"We were comfortable in the first half but fashioned one real chance. It was always going to be a game with very little in it. When they scored the two goals we became ragged and scrappy.

"We played into the drama and the stop-start nature. That's our responsibility."

Were you in Dingwall on Saturday or following the match elsewhere?

Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say, external.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Almost a year ago to the day, manager Stuart Kettlewell said a sobering 3-0 loss in Dingwall was the "sorest night" of his career.

It came amid a long winless run and felt like it could have been the end of his Well tenure, but his team have made huge progress since despite another defeat in the Highlands.

But there are still concerns about his side's creativity in open play. Nine of their 16 goals this term - including Zach Robinson's late header - have come from set plays.

In Dingwall, they had almost 60% of the ball but generated an expected goals (xG) tally of just 0.78.

In-form Tawanda Maswanhise was named on the bench because he returned late from international duty, but that meant the attack lacked the Zimbabwe forward’s raw pace and flair as fellow striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos was left isolated.

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George Harmon returns for Ross County but Will Nightingale (knee) and Max Sheaf (thigh) remain out.

Motherwell defender Liam Gordon returns from suspension but the Steelmen remain without Stephen O'Donnell (hamstring), Paul McGinn (thigh), Callum Slattery, Sam Nicholson (both knee), Ross Callachan (hamstring) and Jack Vale (calf).

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Harry Paton credited the togetherness of Motherwell's squad for helping him through the "toughest time" of his professional career.

The midfielder was out for nearly four months after suffering an ankle injury during Motherwell's 3-1 win against Clyde in the League Cup in July.

The Canada cap, 26, made his return off the bench against St Johnstone before the international break and is now targeting a starting spot.

As Motherwell prepare to visit Ross County on Saturday, Paton said: "It was unfortunate getting injured. I'll be honest, it was probably the toughest time in my football career, being out, getting the first operation on my ankle.

"But we have such a strong group here and they were able to help me out as much as I could help them out as well, in behind the scenes doing fitness and stuff.

"We've got a great staff here as well, the medical department. I've got to tip my hat to them for getting me back the way they did.

"I'm just looking forward to playing again and hopefully can get my spot in the team and just keep working hard.

"We've got a really close changing room and that's what I love to do - be out playing. So when I can't do that I just keep myself going and just wait for my chance and just stay healthy. That's the main thing."

• Ross County have won just one of their last 10 league meetings with Motherwell (D3 L6), a 3-0 victory in December 2023.

• Motherwell have won five of their last seven top-flight trips to Ross County (L2), as many as their first 13 such visits beforehand (W5 D3 L5).

• Ross County have failed to score in each of their last three league games, recording just five shots on target (29 shots total), 2.1 xG and only one big chance in those three combined. The Staggies last went four games without a goal in the Scottish Premiership in January 2023.

• Motherwell have won their last two league games (both 2-1), and could win three in a row for the first time since September 2023.

• Tawanda Maswanhise has been directly involved in each of Motherwell's last four league goals (3 goals, 1 assist). Should he score against Ross County, he will be the youngest player to score in three successive Scottish Premiership appearances for Motherwell (22 years, 3 days) since Mika Biereth in November 2023 (20y 266d).

We asked you what's the one thing nobody is talking about in relation to Motherwell - good or bad.

Here's what some of you said:

Edward: All this talk about Lennon Miller being scouted by all the big Premier League clubs and an apparent valuation of £4m. The young man is a shining beacon for our club and should stay at least until the end of the season and take his time deciding where to move to and more importantly will he get game-time at the highest level? Look at what happened to David Turnbull.

Col: It's right to say we are doing well so far this season but our lack of goals from our four centre forwards is a cause for concern. To date they have scored three league goals between them. Theo Bair has been a hard act to follow but nobody is coming close to his level. If money is available in January I'd hope we can strengthen this area of the team.

Alan: Having rejected the recent investment from the USA where are we at with the reported investment coming down the line? Can we survive without it?

Stuart: Very happy with the start to the season, compounded by Miller's progression. We should not sell him to Rangers or Celtic, as I believe he would be wasted there. When he does move on, I would love to see him follow Josh Doig and Aaron Hickey's ambition and go abroad. Look at Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay and others in Italy as well as Spain.

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Motherwell have not had talks with any interested clubs over teenage midfielder Lennon Miller, manager Stuart Kettlewell has confirmed.

Reports have suggested several Premier League clubs, as well as both Celtic and Rangers, have scouted the 18-year-old in recent weeks.

The Fir Park boss says "that may well be the case" but the club have had no formal or informal discussions with potential suitors.

"None whatsoever, not a single thing," Kettlewell said on whether Motherwell have had contact regarding Miller.

When asked if January would be too early for the teenager - who is under contract until summer 2026 - to move on, the Well boss said: "I think he should be here for the next 10 to 15 years.

"All kidding aside, I'm in no control of that. What I'm in control of is picking a fantastic young player, someone who has been incredibly consistent for me.

"How well he does will dictate what happens in the future, but I think we are really bad in this country for just thinking about what's coming next."

Miller has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in Scottish football since he cemented a first-team place at Fir Park at the start of last season.

Now a Scotland Under-21 international at the age of 18, he continues to improve and many feel he is ready to step up to the senior side.

However, in the past week Miller turned out for the Under-19s in their crucial qualifiers and Kettlewell praised the midfielder's "humble" nature to still play at that level.

"He's dipped down to play with the Under-19s and probably played few more minutes than what was agreed," the Well boss added.

"But it just shows everybody he's got a burning desire to be the best he can be. He'll keep his feet firmly on the ground, as will we."

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Manager Stuart Kettlewell has been speaking to the media prior to his Motherwell side's return to Premiership action at Ross County on Saturday.

Here are the key lines:

• Kettlewell praised teenager Lennon Miller's desire to play for Scotland Under-19s over the international break.

• On speculation surrounding the 18-year-old, the Well boss says "we're bad in this country for thinking about what's next".

• He also confirmed no interest has been registered from other clubs in the midfielder and joked he wants him at the club for "the next 10 to 15 years".

• Kettlewell hopes the bounce game and "team bonding" his players had during the international period brings his group out of the break "firing on all cylinders".

• He says the side have "amassed a good number of points" and made "progression" but is looking to "add quality and consistency" to performances.

• Long-term absentees Sam Nicholson and Callum Slattery are back in training but remain some way off a return to playing.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

When people think of Lennon Miller, they will likely think of his composure on the ball, pinpoint deliveries and line-breaking passes.

And the fact the Motherwell midfielder has provided three assists and created 22 chances in the Premiership this season is evidence of that.

But the numbers behind the 18-year-old's off-the-ball work also catch the eye.

Miller has won the ball back more than any other player in the division - 72 times in just 11 games.

Meanwhile, the 18 fouls he has won for his side put him in the league's top 10 and the 16 interceptions he has registered rank him at 11th.

With speculation surrounding the youngster's future intensifying as the January transfer window nears, potential suitors will undoubtedly be attracted to his defensive work, as well as the magic he can produce on the ball.

Motherwell are motoring along nicely in the Premiership so far this season and have exciting young talent Lennon Miller pulling the strings.

The fan-owned club have also have a new chairman, Kyrk Macmillan, in place.

But what is the one thing nobody is talking about in relation to Motherwell - good or bad?

Let us know., external

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

It's back to league business for Motherwell and a trip north to Dingwall to face Ross County on Saturday is fast approaching.

Stuart Kettlewell didn't lose too many players through international duty, with just three away and Tawanda Maswanhise among them.

Fresh from scoring in the win against St Johnstone before the break, the forward made his first start for Zimbabwe and netted against Kenya, helping his national side to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kettlewell will be hoping that adds to his growing confidence. Maswanhise looks to be finding his feet at Fir Park, starting the last three games and scoring three goals.

His pace is frightening and his link-up play with those around him was certainly effective against Saints last time out.

A bounce game during the international afforded minutes to players short of match sharpness and the task now for Motherwell is to remain consistent after a fine start to the campaign, even with a lengthy injury list.

With no more international breaks until March, Kettlewell will be hoping to see some of his walking wounded return amid a hectic period.

They have coped admirably without some key players, including Callum Slattery, Stephen O'Donnell and Paul McGinn, but this time of year always presents a real challenge.

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell says midfielder Lennon Miller, 18, will not have had his head turned by fellow teenager Ben Doak's recent impact with Scotland. (Record), external

Miller will be called up to the Scotland squad soon, says Motherwell team-mate and former national right-back Stephen O'Donnell, 32. (Herald - subscription), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Club football has been sorely missed during a nervy international break.

We resume on Saturday with a trip to Dingwall and hopefully another three points. Ross County have been decent this season, but I fancy our chances.

Watching Tawanda Maswanhise getting his first start and goal for his country can't help but make me feel proud. If he can recreate the performance he put in for Zimbabwe he may be doing cartwheels on the bus home.

Kofi Balmer earning a Northern Ireland call-up as well is great to see. We are a club that gives players a platform to bolster their international ambitions, it is just unfortunate that Lennon Miller has been snubbed so far by Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

Yes, Miller plays for the Under-19s, but there would be no harm in taking him into the main squad even if he doesn't get any minutes. If Miller, 18, was brought in to just train with the players so he can get a feel of what the set-up is like it would do him the world of good.

Ben Doak is only a year older than him but is now becoming a regular in the squad and showing what he can do.

The lack of opportunities for homegrown young players in Scottish football is well documented, but if Scotland can set an example at international level that age is irrelevant as long as you're good enough, it may inspire other teams.

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Motherwell chief executive Brian Caldwell insists Motherwell are in no rush to sell teenage midfielder Lennon Miller.

The 18-year-old has had a fantastic start to the season and has been handed the captain's armband in the absence of injured duo Paul McGinn and Stephen O'Donnell.

Speculation surrounding Miller's future has intensified in recent weeks, but Caldwell insists he will only leave Fir Park when the time is right for both player and club.

"I think we're all realistic and we know there's a time when Lennon will move on," Caldwell told club media, external.

"He's a very talented young player and we all see every week the talent coming out of him.

"But that time [when he leaves] will only come when the deal is right for the club and the player.

"We've got a really good relationship with his agent. We're not in a rush to sell him and we don't need to sell him.

"It's not all about us either, it's about Lennon too. He's playing games every week which is the most important thing for his development.

"For his own development he will probably need to go to a higher level, but we just have to bide our time."

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Motherwell's Tawanda Maswanhise and St Mirren's Jonah Ayunga netted their first senior international goals in Zimbabwe's 1-1 draw with Kenya.

The sides met in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and Ayunga's second half goal cancelled out Maswanhise's first half opener.

Zimbabwe international Maswanhise got his first start for his county on Friday night and topped it off with his first senior goal for the African side.

Ayunga also netted his first senior goal for national side Kenya.

The striker earned just three senior caps before his start and goal on Friday night.

BBC Scotland's chief sportswriter Tom English has been answering your questions on Motherwell.

Derek asked: What have you made of Motherwell this season? Do you believe we can sustain our form to finish in the top six? And do you think Motherwell can keep a hold of Lennon Miller for this season?

Tom answered: On Miller, I suspect yes. Maybe not beyond the season, but I suspect yes. I hope yes. He's terrific, but he's not the only one.

There's been so much talk about Miller, understandably. I hope people aren't putting mad pressure on him. I know Stuart Kettlewell won't be because he's a very responsible and impressive manager.

But there seems to be, and I've seen it a million times before, a desperation among us in the media to suddenly anoint a boy wonder. And you can see there are reasons to anoint Miller as a boy wonder, because I think he looks a fine player, but he's still a kid and he needs time and a bit of space.

There are loads of players in the history of Scottish football who have been trumpeted as the next big thing and they don't quite do it. It's not all about ability. It's about ability and mentality.

Miller and Ewan Wilson, mainstays of this Motherwell team, it's part of the reason why I really like Kettlewell's side. Part of the reason why I like Kettlewell. He has an amazing ability to find players.

His goalkeeper is excellent. They don't score a lot, don't concede much, they're a tightly controlled team, a compact side. They might go two or three games without a win, but then they'll bounce back immediately. They're a very resilient side.

Top six wouldn't surprise me in the slightest.

Celtic and Rangers ready to move for 18-year-old midfielder Lennon Miller, but Motherwell will hold out for a £4m fee for the Scotland Under-19 international. (Daily Mail), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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