Motherwell

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.

Image source, SNS

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."

Image source, Getty Images

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.

Image source, SNS

Image source, SNS

New Motherwell chairman Kyrk Macmillan aims to keep Lennon Miller at the club for "as long as possible".

The 18-year-old midfielder, who is under contract at Fir Park until summer 2026, has been linked with Celtic and Rangers after emerging as a standout young talent.

Miller has played more than 50 games since his Motherwell debut in 2022 and while Macmillan accepts the club's "model" means they will have to cash in at some point, he hopes the midfielder has plenty more appearances in claret and amber to come.

"Lennon's done incredibly well since he came into the first team, obviously he's now captain of the club over the last couple of matches, did it at Hampden as well for the semi-final," Macmillan, who was appointed Well chairman earlier this month, told Sky Sports.

"I think ultimately it's about Lennon's growth journey and we want him to stay at Motherwell as long as possible.

"It's great watching him every Saturday, he gets supporters excited and people are really excited to engage with him and his journey in football.

"There may come a time where Lennon decides, 'I want to try something new in another environment', but ultimately we want to make his time at Motherwell as successful as it can be.

"That is who we are as a football club and that will be the same for Lennon as it will be, hopefully, for other players in the future as well."

Image source, SNS

Lennon Miller will line up for Scotland Under-19s against Wales today. But should he instead be in Steve Clarke's main squad for the Nations League visit of Croatia on Friday night?

At 18, Miller already has more than 50 club appearances under his belt and is the most exciting young talent at Scottish football right now.

Among those who believe he should be fast-tracked to a full Scotland cap are Sunday Mail chief football writer Scott McDermott.

"He should have been involved in this squad," McDermott told the BBC's Scottish football podcast.

"I just think exposing him to that environment at a young age would have done him the world of good. Just bringing him in, having a look at him, having the other players see him in training as well, letting the boy know himself the standard that he's got to get to.

"There's not many friendly games in international football now so you don't really get many opportunities to blood these guys."

Miller's first-team experience at a tender age is the exception rather than the norm in the current Scottish game. A report by the Scottish FA earlier this year concluded that clubs in Scotland are failing to bring through enough young players.

"I do think it's a cultural problem," said McDermott. "There does seem to be a fear about throwing young players in early.

"I think young players need two things. The first one is a given and that's talent. The second one isn't and that's opportunity. These boys need a chance to play in first teams.

"A few years ago in Motherwell's academy, Miller played alongside Bailey Rice, who is at Rangers currently. If you ask most people, at that time Rice was on a par if not maybe even better than Miller.

"But look at the two of them now, the progress they've made. Rice, who's been in and around the Rangers first team, has never quite had an opportunity. It feels like he's playing catch-up now. So yeah, talent and opportunity."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

The pause in domestic action is no time for rest at Motherwell after a bright start to the season.

Stuart Kettlewell has plans for the players who won't be away with their respective nations during this international break.

He revealed those who have not seen much game team will take part in a bounce game, while he also wants to use this time to "work with players on the training pitch" and "kick on to become a better team".

Motherwell have certainly kicked on from this time last year.

Eleven league games in and Motherwell are sitting on 19 points. Compare that to last season and they were on 11 points at this stage. Eight points better off is a significant and satisfying showing of progression.

But still Kettlewell and his coaching staff want more - the Motherwell players won't be surprised by this.

Something he’ll no doubt be working on in the coming days is being a bit more clinical in front of goal. Only three teams - bottom two Hibs and Hearts plus Ross County - have scored fewer than Motherwell's total of 15 league goals. Making games a little less nervy is something the Motherwell fans would welcome.

What will have pleased Kettlewell is signs of a developing cohesion within the squad, despite the absence of several key players. If those bonds continue to grow, the next 11 games could be just as rewarding for Kettlewell and his team.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Things are feeling quite settled for Motherwell.

Sitting fifth in the league, our replacement players are performing to a high standard, and the Well Society is working in tandem with the new chief executive.

I'm still not convinced by the decision to give Lennon Miller the armband but I am sure he will grow into the role in time. Stephen O'Donnell - who is out until December - will be sorely missed but it does allow Miller time to develop further as a leader.

Our next run of games after the international break is Ross County away, Hibs at home and Dundee away. These are all very winnable and we need to take nine points from nine to strengthen our top-six charge.

The 2-1 win over St Johnstone was comfortable enough and the last-gasp St Johnstone equaliser was a certainty to be chopped off for handball.

If we can continue the way we have I have no doubts European football will be back at Fir Park soon.

Sportscene pundit Neil McCann analyses Motherwell's 2-1 Premiership victory over "lopsided" St Johnstone.

(Available to UK users only)

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Although the scoreline was tight, Motherwell dominated large swathes of their match and it was two young players - and two of Stuart Kettlewell's summer additions - who caught the eye.

Right-back Marvin Kaleta was excellent at driving down the flank, putting in a perfect cross to create the opening goal. Impressive in both defence and attack. Marvellous by name, marvellous by nature.

The other stand-out was Tom Sparrow. His arrowed finish across the goalkeeper was an example of Motherwell’s neat and ruthless attacking. Brought real vitality and energy.

Motherwell striker Tony Watt talks to the Scottish Football Podcast about the club's fortunes this season, and praises the job being done by manager Stuart Kettlewell.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell hailed Marvin Kaleta's development after the 20-year-old shone in Saturday's 2-1 win over St Johnstone.

The right-back - on loan from Premier League side Wolves - set up Tawanda Maswanhise's opening goal and delivered several more testing crosses on his first ever 90-minute senior appearance.

"We got him 90 minutes, that was brilliant," Kettlewell said. "There's been a bit of a joke with some of the senior guys and we've all had it as young players, he's been cramping up a little bit.

"This is only his fourth senior [start], all in the space of two weeks.

"So it's a brilliant landmark for him to perform that way and to get through the 90 minutes and I genuinely believe that he’ll just grow from strength to strength."

Kettlewell referenced a statistic that Motherwell have given significantly more minutes to Scottish under-21s than any other Premiership club this season, and he is understandably proud of the work done developing young homegrown talent.

"We're by far ahead of every other club in the top flight, which pleases me," Kettlewell said. "That's another thing on top of the seven extra points we've got on last season and the semi-final."

"I know Marvin's not that but again Ewan [Wilson] and Lennon [Miller], I need to keep banging the drum about that.

"I'll add that into the mix, not just Marvin but these young players that are experiencing the trials and tribulations of senior football but they're doing it very, very well at this point and you can see their growth and their development."

What would you like to ask Tom English about Motherwell?

Our chief sportswriter is in the hotseat ready to answer your questions and offer his insight and opinion on your club.

Answers will be provided on Tuesday’s episode of the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast and on this page later in the week.

Put your questions to Tom here., external

Watch highlights of Motherwell's 2-1 win against St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership.

(Available to UK viewers only)

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-1 win against St Johnstone.

Here's what some of you said:

Ronnie: That's the type of football we want to see. High press, fast down the wings and ball on the grass and look what happens. Too deep in the second half and missed Paul McGinn and Stephen O'Donnell's experience to push our team forward.

Stuart: Two really good goals and we could have had more, however we need to sort out possession as without it, it made the last 15 minutes difficult. Still a good win against a key rival.

Eddie: A win today, but only 34 percent possession at home. That'll cost us in some games.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Tawanda Maswanhise was grinning from ear-to-ear for much of Motherwell's magical first half performance against St Johnstone.

And he was still smiling post-match.

After his goal and assist inside the first 35 minutes, the Zimbabwe international can head off on international duty with his head held high.

"I'm really happy. I can't stop smiling, a goal and an assist for myself and I'm buzzing for the result really," he told BBC Scotland.

"Confidence is a big thing in my football journey so I'm just so happy and just keep smiling.

"I know the football we can play and obviously results matter in this league so as long as we keep going.

"We've got Ross County next and we know we can beat them, we are going to beat them, so I'm looking forward to getting another goal in the next league game."

The trip to Dingwall is just under two weeks away, though, and between now and then, the 21-year-old will join up with his national team.

"Going away it's a different environment and stuff, and then obviously coming back, you've got to adjust again so it shouldn't be too much of a change, but I'm ready for Ross County, that's my next focus."

• St Johnstone attempted four shots on target in this match, higher than their season average of 3.3 in the Premiership.

• St Johnstone have scored in their last five Premiership games.

• Motherwell have conceded three goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half, only St Johnstone (four) and Ross County (four) have conceded more in the Premiership this season.

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari endured a difficult return to Fir Park as Motherwell inflicted a third straight Scottish Premiership defeat on his side.

What did you make of Motherwell's performance? Is a top-six finish now a distinct possibility?

Let us know your thoughts., external