Motherwell

Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell argues that referee Nick Walsh should have awarded a free-kick to his side in the build-up to Rangers' winning goal from Nedim Bajrami in yesterday's League Cup semi-final. (Glasgow Times), external

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

Holders Rangers staged a second-half comeback to secure a Scottish League Cup final place against Celtic, with Nedim Bajrami's late deflected strike eventually decisive.

Motherwell threatened to heap more pressure on manager Philippe Clement after a run of poor results.

Although Rangers had the better of the opening stages, they fell behind when former Ibrox midfielder Andy Halliday stretched to volley past Jack Butland after Jefte misread Steve Seddon's wonderful cross from the left.

Halliday's celebrations were muted against his former side as everyone else in claret and amber went wild at the prospect of a famous win.

They initially held firm as Rangers failed to mount the sort of onslaught you might expect. Connor Barron went close from outside the box but the intense boos that greeted Nick Walsh's half-time whistle spoke volumes.

The second-half turnaround was as swift as it was needed for Rangers. Cyriel Dessers, who earlier missed a close-range sitter, changed the game when he clipped home Barron's centre to end his run of eight games without a goal.

Jefte was superbly denied by Aston Oxborough, who diverted the Brazilian's volley on to the post. James Tavernier blazed over, Bajrami could not covert from close range and Oxborough again brilliantly denied Vaclav Cerny as Motherwell defended for their lives.

But after good work from Cerny on the right, Bajrami's deflected effort deceived Oxborough as Clement's side did enough to avoid another damaging result.

Were you at Hampden or following the match elsewhere? Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say, external.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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At half-time, the chances of Motherwell inflicting another League Cup defeat on their opponents looked a more than reasonable prospect. They delivered a 2-0 semi-final win in 2017 and led here until just after the break.

The timing of Rangers goal was so damaging, though, as at that point their fans were on their back and the longer that went the more benefit it would have brought. Rangers were rocking but responded.

Stuart Kettlewell is doing a remarkable job on limited resources and this display showed what his side are all about. They came close again, have quality in their ranks and a structure that makes them effective and dangerous at times.

They were led by example by 18-year-old captain Lennon Miller. He again showed flashes of his undoubted ability but there were a number who shone, including Aston Oxborough, who delivered vital saves at vital times.

Motherwell may feel this was a missed opportunity and will be frustrated at the misfortune at the decisive goal. It may feel slightly hollow but they can take enormous credit and belief into their upcoming fixtures after a spirited show.

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Motherwell keeper Aston Oxborough made eight saves at Hampden. His performance kept the Steelmen in the contest, and he was not at fault for either of the Rangers goals.

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell tells BBC Scotland: "The overriding emotion is I'm disappointed. I'm gutted for the players and the supporters.

"I thought we put ourselves in a really good position. For us to get better, there's going to have to be moments where there's better quality. It's not a criticism, it's my job to make sure we can tackle these games and have enough quality on the pitch.

"There's not a great gulf between the clubs on the day. We know they are going to have lots of the ball, but one or two better decisions probably keeps that negative feeling when we're one ahead.

"This doesn't derail our start to the season. I'm proud as punch because the players put it all out there."

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• Rangers have won three and lost three of their latest six games.

• Motherwell have won four and lost two in their latest six outings.

• Well's 2-1 win at Ibrox in March is their only win over Rangers in 21 meetings since beating them 2-0 in the last League Cup semi-final between the sides in 2017.

• Overall, Rangers have won nine of their 17 League Cup meetings with Motherwell, who have won four.

• Motherwell have lifted the League Cup once, beating Hibernian 3-0 in the 1950 final.

• Rangers lifted the League Cup for a 28th time by beating Aberdeen 1-0 under Philippe Clement in December last year.

• Well last reached the League Cup final in 2017, losing to Celtic 2-0 after beating Rangers in the semi-final.

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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As a former manager, Lee Miller can often find himself biting his tongue when it comes to offering football advice to son Lennon.

But the Motherwell midfielder can recall the one and only time his dad stepped in and gave him a "rocket" during his academy days.

Locking back, the teenager concedes it was something he needed.

"I was a young boy and I'd just recently joined Motherwell," Miller tells BBC Scotland.

"We played Rangers away and I think I got tackled early. I kind of went into my shell, playing Rangers, playing the badge really, and my dad hated it.

"He hated seeing me not wanting the ball and shying away from tackles. It wasn't me as a player. I've always got on the ball and been quite competitive and I wasn't that day."

Dad Lee added: "He was really within himself. It's pretty drastic when you think about it, but I remember thinking he's as good as them if not better.

"So after the game I had a go and I don't know if it was right or not, but he's said he needed that rocket."

This Sunday, Miller faces the same opposition at first-team level in the last four of the Scottish League Cup at Hampden.

With Paul McGinn and Stephen O'Donnell out injured, the youngster will lead out Motherwell as captain at the age of just 18.

It will undoubtedly be the biggest occasion of the teenager's young career, which seems destined for the top.

But whatever level Miller reaches, he will always reflect on that firm feedback as being key in his rapid development.

"I needed it," he adds. "It's probably helped me coming into first-team football.

"Nothing's going to be perfect, so you need to take these challenges as a young boy and implement them at senior level."

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Motherwell defender Stephen O'Donnell will miss the game after limping off against Dundee United on Wednesday.

Liam Gordon and Tony Watt return while Paul McGinn (thigh), Callum Slattery, Sam Nicholson (both knee), Harry Paton (ankle), Ross Callachan (hamstring) and Jack Vale (calf) are long-term absentees.

Vaclav Cerny is set to return to the Rangers squad after missing the midweek defeat at Aberdeen but fellow winger Ross McCausland is a doubt.

Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo are back training and will be assessed while Oscar Cortes and Danilo are still working with the physios.

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Stuart Kettlewell says Motherwell are "punching above their weight" this season, but insists they remain huge underdogs but reach the League Cup final despite Rangers' struggles.

Currently fourth in the Premiership, the Steelmen are only three points behind Rangers - their opponents in Sunday's semi-final.

"I believe we're doing well," manager Kettlewell added. "We're being resilient, [I've got] real trust in our players, real trust in what we're trying to do.

"I believe we're punching above our weight for where we're sitting.

"I don't really look at the league position, what I look at is, we've got 16 points at this minute in time, which I think is a very, very good start to the season.

"And I did say way back at the start of the season in the group stages this competition, our angle was always to try and get as far as we possibly could because we know how much excitement it can generate for a club like Motherwell, so we feel we're in a good position."

Rangers head to Hampden with manager Philippe Clement under intense pressure after the midweek defeat at Aberdeen left his team nine points off the Dons and Celtic.

"I still see them as a top, top football club," said Kettlewell.

"I think back to earlier in the season at Hampden when we played them in the league, and there was a spell for 30 to 35 minutes where they were electric.

"I know that's what they are absolutely capable of, so we prepare for that, we make sure that's a thing that's in our head.

"For Motherwell to progress in this competition I believe would be a huge upset as I think Rangers would be massive favourites by the size of the club and the investment.

"But we don't tell ourselves that, we don't think along those terms. We want to try and show our best version on Sunday and see where that takes us."

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell has been speaking to the media before his side's League Cup semi-final against Rangers at Hampdn this weekend.

Here are the key points:

• Stephen O'Donnell will miss out with a leg muscle injury. Liam Gordon and Tony Watt come back into the squad.

• In O'Donnell and Paul McGinn's absence, Lennon Miller will captain the side. Kettlewell says the 18-year-old's "level of performance" inspires others.

• The Fir Park boss doesn't believe Rangers' current problems give his side a bigger opportunity and he's still viewing the Ibrox team as "massive favourites", saying "it will be a huge upset" if Motherwell win.

• Kettlewell insists Motherwell have shown resilience during their recent good form and they’ll go into this tie with confidence as they always do.

• He says the build-up to this one isn't different to other games, but admits as a one-off tie they’ll need to create opportunities.

• Kettlewell is loving the way the community is getting behind this semi-final, with 8,000 Motherwell tickets sold, and the manager says it's evident in the town that everyone one is "excited" for the match.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 2-1 win against Dundee United that lifted the Steelmen fourth in the Premiership.

Here's what some of you said:

Derek: A much-needed result off the back of defeats against Dundee and Celtic. A good performance and glad to see Tawanda Maswanhise back in the side, his pace and drive will cause teams all sorts of problems and it's imperative he starts on Sunday in the semi-final. Fourth in the league and a semi final, definitely can't complain at that!

Col: We very much rode our luck last night which has often been the case this season. Resting some of our defensive midfield players for the upcoming semi worked well as it gave opportunities for more attack-minded tactics, something Stuart Kettlewell isn't renowned for. Maswanhise is a must start against Rangers after his two goals.

James: Again, not a terrific performance, but any points away from home are invaluable. I thought Ewan Wilson was outstanding. Great second goal, Maswanhise showed threat all night. On to Sunday. Nothing to fear.

Ryan: Didn't start the game well but hopefully if we play a similarly attacking team and have a go at Rangers we can put them on the back foot.

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As he prepares for the League Cup semi-final against Rangers, Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller sits down with BBC Scotland's Nick McPheat for a candid interview in which he discusses coping with the death of his mum at the age of five, how that experience drives him and his ambitions for the future.

Listen to the full interview on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast

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• Dundee United attempted 428 passes in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Premiership this season.

• Tawanda Maswanhise won five fouls in this game, more than any other player.

• Dundee United attempted 17 shots in this match, higher than their season average of 10.4 in the Premiership.

• Motherwell attempted nine shots, with five (55%) from set-pieces.

• Despite defeat, United had a higher xG (1.43) than Motherwell (1.11).

Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin struggled to comprehend how his side lost 2-1 at home to Motherwell on Wednesday. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

Motherwell prepared for their League Cup semi-final meeting with Rangers with a hard-fought victory against Dundee United at Tannadice to leapfrog their opponents into fourth place in the Scottish Premiership.

What did you make of Motherwell's performance? Are you confident of beating Rangers in Sunday's semi-final?

Let us know your thoughts here, external.

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: "They certainly made us work for it. We were never going to come on this pitch and stroll through it.

"In the first half they caused us real problems in the wide areas. But I felt the solutions were on the pitch and we made them change in the second half when we dealt with that threat.

"We grew in the second half to be honest and I thought we showed a wee bit more composure. We know that we've got that bit of quality and it was Tawanda that came up with the goods for us.

"We had to dig in at times and we showed our quality at times, and that's what it's always going to have to be like on the road in this league.

"I don't foresee any one of the senior players coming back [for Sunday] other than Tony Watt being available and Liam Gordon coming back into the squad."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tawanda Maswanhise was one of three changes to the Motherwell team for this game, and he put his hand up to start against Rangers at Hampden.

His pace and ability to drive with the ball is such a valuable skill in this league, and even aside from his goals he was Motherwell's biggest threat.

Twice he drew bookings by surging forward and forcing United defenders to haul him down in fear of the damage he could do on the break.

His first strike was a calm first-time effort, and the second goal epitomised his threat.

The Zimbabwean was alert enough to close down Emmanuel Adegoboyega, then quick enough to sprint clear. The composure to dink Jack Walton was the most impressive.

Rangers' struggling backline lacks pace, and Maswanhise must come into Stuart Kettlewell's thoughts for the biggest game of Motherwell's season.

Motherwell make three changes after the loss to Celtic. Liam Gordon is suspended while Davor Zdravkovski and Andy Halliday drop to the bench.

In come Dan Casey, Steve Seddon, and Tawanda Maswanhise.

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