Motherwell

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Two of the best young players in Scotland made their mark on the Premiership last weekend as both Lennon Miller and David Watson scored braces for their clubs.

Motherwell's Miller continues to impress this season, having become the club's penalty-kick taker, while Watson came off the bench to score a quickfire double which included a spectacular scissor kick.

Speaking to the Scottish Football Podcast, former Scotland midfielder Graham Dorrans said: "I've watched [Watson] a couple of times and he's very energetic. He makes runs forward so it just causes problems for players. He came on at half-time and he changed the game for Kilmarnock.

"If he keeps doing what he's doing, he could end up getting a move off the back of it. I've watched him a couple of times and he's technically a good player as well, he's done fantastic."

Both 18-year-old Miller and 19-year-old Watson have been called up to Scot Gemmill's Scotland Under-21 side this season, with Miller's double securing Motherwell's win over St Mirren.

"He's done great so far. When you watch him, the maturity he plays with - he steps up last weekend as well and slots away a penalty in the last minute - for me, he's probably the best young talent we've got coming throughout the minute," Dorrans added.

"He seems to have a bit of everything about him. He's got that little bit of arrogance that you can see that he knows he's a decent player. He's another one that, if he keeps going the way he's going, could get a move off the back of the performances that he's producing."

Former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady agreed but suggested Miller would be better off by staying put at Fir Park.

"I do think he's a top talent and I think it's essential for his development that he is at Motherwell because I don't think he would have these opportunities that at Celtic or Rangers at present, and it's invaluable to his development to be playing so many games.

"You look at so many young players who are happy to be at Celtic or Rangers and hope for that breakthrough at a bigger team, which doesn't necessarily always come. It's a lot harder to get games.

"In a year's time, he could have played 100 Premiership games at age of 19. It's fantastic that he's getting such great experience and he's mature beyond his years I think as well. Let's just enjoy him while we can."

• Graham Dorrans and Aiden McGeady were speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast which is available to listen to on BBC Sounds.

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Another gritty win for Motherwell on Saturday as they edged out St Mirren 2-1 at Fir Park.

The first half was the 'Lennon Miller Show' with the 18-year-old scoring twice, as he continues to be played in a more advanced role by Stuart Kettlewell.

The Motherwell boss also heaped praise on goalkeeper Aston Oxborough. The enormous shot-stopper made seven saves, including denying Mark O'Hara from the penalty spot.

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell piled praise on Aston Oxborough after an inspired goalkeeping display helped the Steelmen to a 2-1 win over St Mirren on Saturday.

The 26-year-old has mainly been used as a back-up since signing for Motherwell in 2022, but has taken his chance since Liam Kelly's summer move to Rangers.

He made seven saves against the Buddies, including stopping Mark O'Hara's second-half penalty.

"Aston's been outstanding since the start of the season – he's shown his credentials to be a really good number one at this level," Kettlewell said.

"Aston will tell you openly that I've always had a trust and a belief in him, he's at the infancy of his goalkeeping career when you look at the games he's played and the opportunities he's had.

"What he has done is he's really introduced himself to the Motherwell fans as a reliable goalkeeper and somebody that we trust between the goal posts."

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

Available to UK viewers only.

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

Here's what some of you said:

Stephen: It's always said that the sign of a good team is still winning when not playing well. St Mirren will feel hard done by leaving Fir Park without at least a point but the sheer grit, determination and togetherness shown by this group of Motherwell players to get the win is hugely encouraging. Like many at Fir Park, I'm quiet excited for the season.

Stuart: Really entertaining game, thought we carved out the best chances with both keepers making good saves. The team just need to keep working hard and taking their chances.

Ronnie: What can you say about young Lennon Milller? Totally outstanding as were the efforts of our team. Last year we got beat by St Mirren but we are a different animal this year.

Dave: Good result and great performance by the players. Miller scored a brilliant penalty again and put in a top performance. Long may this continue.

James: No complaints about another victory, a game we would have lost in the past. Again, Miller was a class act, and Ewan Wilson was tremendous. What a future for these two boys. Keep it up, super 'Well.

John: Lennon Miller is a special talent however the whole team played their parts in a tough game which we done week to come out as winner.

• St Mirren have scored in their last four games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of four games from 15th May 2024 to 11th August 2024.

• Motherwell have won after conceding the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 6th April 2024 against Dundee (six games without a win).

• St Mirren have attempted 15 shots in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Premiership this season.

• Motherwell have won three points from losing positions in the Premiership this season, no team has recovered more.

Two penalties, two red cards and a double from teenager Lennon Miller.

There's plenty to talk about so we want to hear from you!

Let us know your thoughts on Saturday's win over St Mirren here., external

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell told BBC Scotland: "It was a rollercoaster. When you go a goal down, you start to see the reaction and the personality of the players.

"We relied on our goalkeeper [Aston Oxborough] massively after the penalty. What a moment for him, it's almost like a goal for him.

"In the end, the players stood tall and I thought they managed the game really well.

"It's a massive victory for us and it keeps that feelgood factor going."

Adam Binnie
BBC Sport Scotland

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It was the Lennon Miller show once again, for the first half at least.

After last week's calm stoppage-time spot kick to put his side into the semi-finals of the League Cup, the teenager stepped up once more.

Not only did he score both Motherwell goals, but he also had more touches in the opposition box than any other player.

Miller is naturally a central midfielder, but has been deployed as a right inside forward as part of a narrow front three in Motherwell's last two matches.

That certainly doesn't look like its bothering him. He is flourishing in his new position and can add versality to his long list of desirable attributes.

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Motherwell: Oxborough, O'Donnell, Casey, Gordon, McGinn, Wilson, Zdravkovski, Halliday, Miller, Ebiye, Robinson

Substitutes: Heygi, Seddon, Balmer, Sparrow, Stamatelopoulos, Kaleta, Maswanhise, Watt, Tavares

St Mirren: Balcombe, Bwomono, Fraser, Gogic, Taylor, Tanser, Boyd-Munce, O'Hara, Phillips, Mandron, Olusanya

Substitutes: Urminsky, Dunne, Brown, Smyth, Idowu, Kiltie, Scott, Ayunga, van Veen

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Motherwell defender Stephen O’Donnell is set to miss out with a shoulder injury while Johnny Koutroumbis and Shane Blaney are edging closer to comebacks. Callum Slattery, Sam Nicholson (both knee), Harry Paton (ankle), Ross Callachan (hamstring) and Jack Vale (calf) are long-term absentees.

Shaun Rooney drops out for St Mirren after being suspended by the club following an assault charge. Greg Kitie, Kevin van Veen and Elvis Bwomono all played 70 minutes in a bounce game this week. Conor McMenamin (knee) and Alex Iacovitti (tendon) are out long term.

In: Apostolos Stamatelopoulos, forward (Newcastle Jets, undisclosed); Kofi Balmer, defender (Crystal Palace); Ross Callachan, midfielder (Ross County); Tawanda Maswanhise, midfielder (Leicester City); Filip Stuparevic, forward (Domzale); Liam Gordon, defender (St Johnstone); Andy Halliday, midfielder (Heart of Midlothian, loan to permanent); Sam Nicholson, midfielder (Colorado Rapids, loan to permanent); Johnny Koutroumbis, defender (Perth Glory); Tom Sparrow, midfielder (Stoke City); Zach Robinson, forward (Wimbledon); Steve Seddon, defender (Oxford United).

Loan in: Krisztian Hegyi, goalkeeper (West Ham United); Marvin Kaleta, defender (Wolverhampton Wanderers); Tony Watt, forward (Dundee United); Jair Tavares, midfielder (Hibernian); Jack Vale, forward (Blackburn Rovers, loan return).

Out: Theo Bair, forward (Auxerre, undisclosed); Liam Kelly, goalkeeper (Rangers); Blair Spittal, midfielder (Heart of Midlothian); Bevis Mugabi, defender (Anorthosis Famagusta); Ricki Lamie, defender (Ross County); Callan Elliot, defender (Auckland); Barry Maguire, midfielder (Hamilton Academical); Jon Obika, forward (retired); Calum Butcher, midfielder.

Loan ended: Adam Devine, defender (Rangers); Oli Shaw, forward (Barnsley).

Loan out: Filip Stuparevic, forward (Greenock Morton); Luca Ross, forward (Annan Athletic); Matty Connelly, goalkeeper (East Kilbride); Olly Whyte, midfielder (Cowdenbeath).

Read the Scottish Premiership ins & outs in full here.

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Motherwell forward Filip Stuparevic has joined Scottish Championship side Greenock Morton on a season-long loan just two months after joining the club.

The Serbian, who arrived at Fir Park in the summer from Slovenian outfit NK Domzale, has scored one goal in four appearances for Motherwell.

"Filip is an extremely talented player that will get the fans off their seat," said Morton manager Dougie Imrie.

"He is just 24-years-old but joins with a wealth of experience and he will be real asset to the team.

"I am delighted to welcome him to the club.”

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell expresses "disappointment" at Steven Naismith losing his job as Hearts head coach. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Former St Johnstone manager Craig Levein has been given a touchline ban for post-match comments in the wake of Saints' recent loss at Motherwell. (Courier - subscription), external

Read Friday's Scottish gossip

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Motherwell youngster Mark Ferrie has joined Bonnyrigg Rose on loan.

The 18-year-old has made 12 appearances for the Fir Park club, but the striker will now seek more regular action in Scotland's fourth tier.

The forward's loan deal will expire in January.

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• Motherwell failed to win all three of their league meetings with St Mirren last season (D2 L1), picking up just two points.

• St Mirren have only won one of their last six league trips to Motherwell (D2 L3), a 1-0 win in September 2023.

• Motherwell have won two of their last four home league games (D1 L1), as many as their previous 15 beforehand (W2 D6 L7).

• St Mirren have only won one of their last nine away league outings (D3 L5), a 3-1 win at Dundee in May last season.

• Toyosi Olusanya has scored in each of his last three league games; the last player to score in four straight top-flight appearances for St Mirren was Andy Dorman in April 2009, whose fourth such match in that streak was against Motherwell.

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell wants the type of challenge that resulted in Stephen O'Donnell's shoulder injury to be "outlawed from the game".

The right-back is set to miss out against St Mirren on Saturday after suffering a shoulder issue in last Friday's League Cup quarter-final win over Dundee United.

Kettlewell confirmed the defender has not trained all week but said the injury is "definitely not as bad as we first feared".

O'Donnell landed heavily on his shoulder after jumping for a high ball and falling over the top of United wing-back Will Ferry.

While Ferry showed plenty of concern for his opponent, Kettlewell feels the general issue should be addressed by the SFA's head of referees Willie Collum.

Speaking prior to the Premiership visit of Stephen Robinson's Paisley side, Kettlewell said: "We were obviously looking at dislocations and all that stuff, which he has been cleared of, but he took a pretty significant blow from a height.

"If you look at the challenge, I don't think there is any intention whatsoever from the player... what is it they call it in rugby, the tip tackle? If you are up there contesting the ball, you can't make a back for the opponent.

"It's something I think needs to be outlawed from the game.

"We have had a wee bit of dialogue with Willie and it's not a rant, it's just something I feel we are missing.

"Without being too dramatic, if Stephen falls another couple of inches in the way and lands on his head, what's his neck supported by other than his full body weight coming down on top of him?".

"I don't want to dampen the mood from the game, I thought it was really well officiated last Friday, but I just feel it's something our eye isn't particularly well trained for.

"It was his shoulder fortunately, but I feel that could be a little bit worse unless we start to get a grip of it... we are starting to run the risk of pretty serious injury."

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell has been speaking to the media prior to Saturday's Premiership visit of St Mirren.

Here are the key lines:

• Stephen O'Donnell is set to miss out on Saturday after suffering a shoulder injury in last Friday's League Cup quarter-final win over Dundee United.

• Kettlewell confirmed the right-back has not trained all week but said the injury is "definitely not as bad as we first feared".

• The Well boss wants the type of challenge that resulted in O'Donnell's injury to be "outlawed" from football.

• A crowd of 8,327 watched the Lanarkshire side set up a League Cup semi-final against Rangers, and Kettlewell hopes that memorable night can entice many back to Fir Park.

• Reflecting on the last-eight win over United, Kettlewell said the evening was "magical in terms of the atmosphere".

• "About 6,000 Motherwell fans were in here on Friday, I'd love us to get close to that on Saturday and try and keep that," the manager added.

• And Kettlewell confirmed defensive duo Johnny Koutroumbis and Shane Blaney are edging closer to returning.

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Jack Vale has returned to parent club Blackburn Rovers after sustaining a calf injury while on loan at Motherwell.

The forward, who re-joined Stuart Kettlewell's side on a short-term deal this summer, is now facing 10-12 weeks on the sidelines.

The 23-year-old has made two appearances for the Fir Park club since his return.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

The adrenaline is still sky high and reality hasn't fully set in yet, but the Well are going to Hampden!

The game against Dundee United is by far one of the best games I have ever attended - not just because of the result, but because of the crowd and the performance on the park.

Although, the result did help.

Over 8,000 fans at Fir Park for a game not involving the Old Firm is something we do not see and I'm hoping the result will encourage people to come back.

Right now, the league is no longer my biggest worry with a semi-final against Rangers on the way.

Although they certainly won't make it easy for us, I would rather we played Rangers than Celtic or Aberdeen.

It feels exciting being a Motherwell fan again, especially now we have players returning from injury and with some luck more will be more available by November.

All is well in Lanarkshire. It's starting to really feel like this could be a memorable season.

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Although Lee Miller knew son Lennon would be "the calmest person" at Fir Park when he stepped up to take his match-winning penalty on Friday, the former striker said the quarter-final tie was still "the most nervous" he has ever been at a game.

The teenage midfielder's stoppage-time spot kick secured a dramatic win over Dundee United, sending Motherwell through to the last four to face Rangers at Hampden.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, ex-Hearts and Aberdeen forward Miller revealed his son had planned to 'Panenka' his penalty.

Needless to say, Miller was delighted to instead see the midfielder dispatch low to the left, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to spark wild scenes.

"I could hardly watch to be honest," Miller said. "But I knew he'd be the calmest person in the stadium.

"All I could think was 'please score, please don't dink it, please score, please don't dink it'. So to see it go in... I'm so proud of what he's achieved so far in his career and it's just going from strength to strength.

"I said to him after the game: 'How are you? Were you nervous and stuff?'. And he said he was fine, but he was thinking of dinking the keeper up to the last step."

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The dates and kick-off times for the two Scottish League Cup semi-finals have been confirmed.

Celtic take on Aberdeen on Saturday, 2 November (17:30), while Rangers face Motherwell on Sunday, 3 November (15:00), with both matches taking place at Hampden.

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Holders Rangers will face Motherwell in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals.

Celtic take on Aberdeen in the other tie.

The games will take place on the weekend of 2-3 November.

Rangers beat Dundee 3-0 at Ibrox to reach the last four while Motherwell edged out Dundee United 2-1.