Motherwell

Tyrone Smith
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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It is inevitable Motherwell are going to experience a few bumps in the road as recently appointed German boss Michael Wimmer continues to find his feet in Scottish football.

What happened at Pittodrie is a case in point, and undoubtedly a result which puts a dent in their chances of finding themselves in the top half of the table when the league splits in two in a few weeks time.

In football there is often a tendency to simply focus on the here and now, but the bigger picture is more important for the Steelmen.

Wimmer is still getting used to life, and football, in this country and the early signs have been encouraging.

He appears to be adapting relatively well and the Well players, and fans, look to be buying in to what he is trying to do.

Who knows how things will play out - only time will tell – but however it goes between now and the season's end, you get a sense that there is plenty to be optimistic about in the medium term for the Fir Park side.

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Aberdeen goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov begins another spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury he sustained on international duty with Bulgaria.

Kristers Tobers (hamstring) and Sivert Heltne Nilsen (eye) remain out along with long-term absentees Vicente Besuijen (knee), Jamie McGrath and Gavin Molloy (both shoulder).

Motherwell wing-back Marvin Kaleta is a doubt with a stomach bug while Tawanda Maswhanise only returned from playing for Zimbabwe in time for one training session.

The Steelmen remain without Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (broken wrist), Shane Blaney, Sam Nicholson (both knee), Jack Vale (Achilles), Steve Seddon (ankle), Ross Callachan (hamstring), Paul McGinn (thigh), Zach Robinson (Achilles) and Archie Mair (hand).

Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tom Sparrow says the "crash, bang, wallop" style of Scottish football suits his game as he bids to help Motherwell sneak a top-six finish.

The Wales Under-21 international, who moved to Fir Park from Stoke City last summer, has been deployed at wing-back under Michael Wimmer and is relishing working with the new manager, who has praised the squad's work ethic.

"Really enjoyed it, you can see that in the results, everything he's tried to implement I've enjoyed and every day has been enjoyable to come into," said Sparrow.

"It shows well on the group, we're hard working and everyone wants to dig in and help, which is brilliant if he [the manager] see that.

"That's the main thing and that goes across the whole of Scotland, all the games, I call them crash, bang, wallop, they are all action, everyone is full blooded and I enjoy that, it probably gets the best out of me.

"The way the gaffer wants me to play is really attacking, which is what I enjoy. As long as I'm playing it's fine by me."

Seventh-place Motherwell - currently a point off Hearts in sixth - head to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen on Saturday in their third-last fixture before the split.

"All games are big, especially in this league where everyone beats everyone," added Sparrow.

"We've said all week we just need to take it game by game, and win every game, but if we get a good result it puts in a good position."

Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland

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Lennon Miller will have a learned a huge amount from being in Steve Clarke's squad despite not making his Scotland debut, says Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer.

Fir Park midfielder Miller, 18, was an unused substitute in both legs of the Nations League play-off defeat to Greece.

"For Lennon it was the best thing to work with them for 10 days," said Wimmer.

"I often hear he didn't play, is he disappointed? This experience, to work with this coach, to work with John McGinn and Andy Robertson, Premier League players, if you sit with them, eat together and see them in the dressing room, see the work ethic, you can learn every day."

Miller and his clubmates now turn their attention to Aberdeen on Saturday at a sold-out Pittodrie.

And former Stuttgart assistant Wimmer is hoping to draw on his experience in Austria as the race for the top-six nears a conclusion.

With three pre-split games remaining, Motherwell are in seventh spot, a point behind Hearts and three adrift of Dundee United.

"I had similar situation when I took over at Austria Vienna, we had four games to go (until the split) and on the last day we had a derby with Rapid Vienna, and we won and were in the top six," said the German.

"The table is so tight, it will be a decision on gameday 33."

The game on Saturday will be only the fifth in charge for Wimmer, but he's enjoying Scottish football so far as he looks to make it four matches unbeaten.

"The challenge is so honest, each game is so honest. You make a foul, you say sorry and the game goes on. This is great. I love every day," he said.

"I've never had a team before where you don't have to say please run, work. The players do it, and this is great."

Calum Macdonald
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell manager Michael Wimmer has been speaking to the media before his side's trip to face Aberdeen this weekend.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Wimmer says it was a "brilliant experience and the best thing" for Lennon Miller to be away with the Scotland squad and learn from players like John McGinn and Andy Robertson, not only on the pitch but how they conduct themselves off it.

• The German says he is loving his time in Scotland and is also enjoying the "honesty of the Scottish game".

• Wimmer thinks the table is so tight that the race for top six will go to gameday 33, but warns it's important not think beyond Saturday's game against Aberdeen.

• He says it is "brilliant" that Motherwell have sold their full allocation for the trip to Pittodrie, and it's the management and squad's job now to make the fans happy.

• The German knows Aberdeen will be a tough game - "they have a great manager and good players, especially on offence" - but he wants to be a "tough opponent for them, and with 20,000 supporters, it will be great to be on the pitch on Saturday".

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

What if the Scottish Premiership was decided on overperforming your expected goals (xG) rating?

You're rolling your eyes, aren't you? Fair enough, but the above graphic still paints an interesting picture.

In the second column you will see each team's current xG tally after 30 games, but the table is sorted based on the third column, which shows how much each side has overperformed or underperformed by.

For example, the chances leaders Celtic have created throughout the season suggests they should have scored around 77 goals, but Brendan Rodgers' side have surpassed that tally with an overperformance of almost 12 goals.

Remarkably, Dundee have overperformed their xG total of 34 by 11 goals. If Tony Docherty's side could sort out their defensive issues, it's safe to assume they wouldn't be fighting for survival.

It's the opposite for Kilmarnock, with their underperformance of 5.5 showing they have struggled to take their chances. Addressing that is key if Derek McInnes wants to pull his side away from the bottom.

Other underperformers include Hibernian, Dundee United and Ross County, while the remainder of the teams in the division appear to be fairly steady.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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As well as implementing a high-pressing game, manager Michael Wimmer has stressed the importance of Motherwell having more control in games in the infancy of his tenure.

Upon his appointment, the Fir Park side had the lowest average possession (39%) in the Scottish Premiership, something the German coach vowed to address.

Across just four games in charge, Wimmer's Motherwell have exceeded their previous average in three of those matches.

The only game they failed to do that in was the win at Rangers at the start of this month, when they had 35% of the ball in an impressive 2-1 victory at Ibrox.

With more possession, the average number of accurate passes made per game by the Lanarkshire side has also increased, as has their pass accuracy.

Of course, more possession does not guarantee more points. South of the border, Nottingham Forest currently sit third in the Premier League despite having the lowest average possession in the division.

But Motherwell fans, many of whom were demanding a more attractive style after Stuart Kettlewell's exit, will be enthused by the fact they are already seeing signs of Wimmer's proactive philosophy at such an early stage.

We asked for your Motherwell player of the year - and the biggest disappointment.

Here's what some of you said:

James: Before his injury, Paul McGinn was our most consistent player. Liam Gordon has taken on that mantle. Lennon Miller has been fantastic in patches and dragged us through some games before his injury. And as much as I hate to admit it, our biggest letdowns have been Stuart Kettlewell and Stephen O'Donnell.

Ryan: Miller - best. O'Donnell - worst. Tom Sparrow - most improved.

Mark: There's no two ways about it, Aston Oxborough has been incredible this season. Shame he got injured but it was good to see him getting close to full fitness again. It's also good to see Tawanda Maswanhise playing - he looks like he always has a good time and has got on the scoresheet a good few times too.

Paul: Biggest letdown overall has been the number of injuries we have faced as a club. This has been frustrating and had a detrimental effect on our ability to have consistency and consolidate after good performances. Best player has to be Miller and it's no coincidence that our upturn in results has been after he became available again after injury.

Kevin: Player of the season has got to be Maswanhise, just edging Miller. Poorest performer was Kettlewell, good riddance.

With just eight Premiership games left, we're down to the business end of the season.

Player reputations have been enhanced - or sullied - with their performances throughout the campaign.

As thoughts begin to turn to end-of-term awards, we want to know your Motherwell player of the season so far - and the biggest flop.

Share your views

We asked your for views on Lennon Miller's comments and the reaction from some in the Scotland camp.

Here's what some of you said:

Kevin: If that's what he believes who are we to decry the lad. Set your sights high. Not like us Scots but let's not pillory him for being ambitious.

Keith: Much ado about nothing. A young lad who has confidence in himself, but also probably an off-the-cuff remark that is being made to carry more weight than it needs to be. Same old Scotland - always putting people down. Embrace his enthusiasm and confidence.

Ross: He's a generational talent, but he may well regret those comments now being around the squad. Pretty sure John McGinn for one won't let that go lightly!

He's been naive at best and probably been caught in the headlights a bit during the interview. One thing's for sure, he'll only improve with the quality around him in the national squad. Good luck, Lennon.

Gary: I think the comments are being blown totally out of proportion and not helped by John Carver mentioning it. As a Well fan, I can confirm young Lennon is the most humble and very down to earth lad there is.

If he said "I can't believe I am in the squad and I will never be as good as the other lads" then that would tell Clarke he isn't ambitious. A total non-story. Just let the lad learn and he will be a massive player for Scotland.

Alistair: I think Miller most likely meant "a couple of years" rather than "a couple of months" and simply misspoke. Any other times I have heard him speak he comes across as quietly confident (a good thing) and not at all arrogant (a bad thing). Overall, the media are overhyping the situation.

Gary: Surprised to hear McGinn criticising the comments which are being totally overblown. Would be a bigger concern if Miller didn't have confidence to improve.

Wonder if John regrets his stupid oompah dance before the Euros then hardly kicking a ball the whole tournament? He is better than that so was very unfair to criticise young Lennon.

From John McGinn to John Carver, plenty folks have had their say on Lennon Miller's comments from last week after his debut Scotland call-up.

Including, as expected, his dad Lee.

If you're thinking he maybe put an arm around his 18-year-old's son shoulder, or gave him a clip round the lug, think again. He was right there, winding him up on his return from work.

A proud dad, he thought "respectful and confident" Lennon gave an "excellent" press conference and was struck by a bout of "word vomit" when the Motherwell midfielder said he "could maybe in a couple of months be the best player" in the Scotland squad.

"I spoke to him when I came home from work and I said, 'I listened to your interview, it was excellent, it was really good... Two months and you're going to be the best player,' and he just laughed and thought, 'Oh I know, I know, I messed up'," Lee told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"And I said 'No, you've got belief in yourself'.

"Obviously the words didn't [come out right] but that's word vomit.

"When you're put in front of that camera, when you're asked so many questions, you feel as if you have to say something and he's just blurted that out.

"He probably never thought about it at the time, but when I was winding him up about it he just kind of laughed and thought 'Aw naw'."

Listen and subscribe to the Scottish Football Podcast on BBC Sounds.

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"True professionals" Callum Slattery and Stephen O'Donnell have signed one-year contract extensions to stay at Motherwell next season.

The club have exercised an option on Slattery's deal after the midfielder made an impressive return following a year out with a serious knee injury.

Right-back O'Donnell has triggered an extension to the contract he signed last summer.

Manager Michael Wimmer added: "Both players are true professionals and I have loved working with both of them. They have both had different journeys but give everything for the badge.

"Callum has been excellent since I arrived and is a real spark in the team. He suits the style we want to implement here and has shown a great attitude.

"Stephen is a great character. He trains excellently and is a role model for younger players. He sets an example by his work ethic."

Slattery has scored three goals in eight appearances since making his comeback in early January.

The 26-year-old, who joined Motherwell in 2021, said: "When I signed my contract last summer, I didn't know what would lie ahead for me.

"The club showed faith and trust in me, and my mission has been to get back fully fit so I can thank them for that. It's been so good to be back on the pitch, scoring goals and creating new memories.

Defender O'Donnell has made 28 appearances this term and will be at Fir Park for a sixth season.

"I'm proud to be a Motherwell player," said the 32-year-old. "This is my local area and I've always given 100% to the cause. The community feeling is prevalent and it's an exciting time to be here."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

The undefeated run stretches to three games under Michael Wimmer.

The belief and strength to go from two down against St Mirren to pulling it back for a point would not have happened eight weeks ago.

We may have dropped out of the top six but there's still all to play for over the next few weeks. And thanks to Dundee's phenomenal performance at Tannadice, we remain within striking distance of United as well as Hearts.

It won't be easy but we need to be targeting a full points haul from our remaining three pre-split games - Aberdeen and Kilmarnock away then Hearts at home.

With the international break this weekend it gives us a chance to put all our focus on fitness and training going into what is a massive three weeks for us.

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Lennon Miller's comments have clearly caused a stir in the Scotland camp.

Upon being called up for the first time - for the looming Nations League play-off with Greece - the 18-year-old Motherwell midfielder said: "I'm obviously not going to go in and be the best player there, but I believe I could maybe in a couple of months be the best player there."

Scotland assistant John Carver and midfielder John McGinn have both admonished the newcomer. Carver suggested it was a "mistake" from Miller, who needs "guidance", while McGinn believes the teenager may regret his remarks.

What is your view? Was Miller merely showing admirable ambition, or was it a case of the impetuousness of youth?

Let us know your thoughts.

Motherwell midfielder Miller and fellow 18-year-old James Wilson, the Hearts forward, are not merely in the Scotland squad to make up the numbers, says assistant coach John Carver. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

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Assistant manager John Carver says "confident" Lennon Miller "needs a little bit of guidance" after the Motherwell teenager suggested he could become Scotland's best player in the near future.

The 18-year-old, who is enjoying another impressive season at Fir Park, received his first call-up to Steve Clarke's squad for this month's Nations League play-off double-header against Greece.

Following the news of his inclusion in the senior set-up, Miller said: "I'm obviously not going to go in and be the best player there, but I believe I could maybe in a couple of months be the best player there."

While assistant coach Carver believes the comments "might have been taken out of context", he says the teenage midfielder has "got to learn" from his remarks.

"I've made the same mistake a few years ago and I was a lot older than him," Carver said. "But he's a confident lad and there's nothing wrong with being confident and believing in your own ability.

"He's had a good season and he's a good player - a very, very good player - and we all make mistakes, but he's got to learn from it. The headline might have been taken out of context for sure."

Miller said he had been expecting to be named in the Scotland Under-21 squad again, but he is "confident" he is capable of starting against Greece if called upon.

"He's a young player learning and needs a little bit of guidance," Carver, who also spoke of fellow first-time call-up Hirst, added.

"I made a similar mistake when I was a lot older, so I'll talk to him and give him my experiences, but hopefully he's learned from it because I did."

Watch as the Sportscene team react to Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller's Scotland call-up. (UK only)

Callum Slattery (Motherwell): The midfielder continues to shine after returning from a long spell out, scoring twice from outside of the box to earn his team a point at home to St Mirren.

We asked you for your views following Motherwell's fightback to draw with St Mirren.

Here's what you said:

George: There will be ups and downs for any team changing their manager and approach, but the fact we came back from two goals down to take a point is another sign of the team heading the right direction. Top six is still possible, but regardless, optimistic for the future.

Stuart: Another exciting game to watch. Although we scored two goals the strikers are still not clicking which we need to resolve. Good to see the team working hard, if we keep this up we will be fine.

Grant: Motherwell seemed a bit sluggish today, but we got the draw when it looked like it was going to be a heavy defeat after they scored the second. Slattery has looked great since coming back from his injury and I just worry that he will now move on in the summer when his contract is up.

Peter: Take the draw especially after being 2-0 down. Thought St Mirren were over physical especially in midfield and we couldn't get going at all. Didn't play that great in game but scored two quality goals that deserved something at least from game.

Another two week gap will let the manager work on things as points are crucial in the next few games.

Watch all the action from Motherwell's dramatic 2-2 draw with St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.

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