Motherwell

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.

Image source, SNS

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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."

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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.