Motherwell

Sport Republic, which owns Southampton, French club Valenciennes and Turkish outfit Goztepe, is keeping close tabs on 18-year-old midfielder Lennon Miller, but it would take a potential club record bid, in excess of David Turnbull's sale to Celtic, for Motherwell to even consider selling. (Daily Record), external

St Johnstone are expecting to have a long-awaited work permit for centre-back Bozo Mikulic in time for the Croat to make his debut against Motherwell on Saturday. (The Courier), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Image source, SNS

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

I am bitterly disappointed following Motherwell's Hampden defeat by Rangers.

With how poor Rangers have been on and off the park we had the perfect opportunity, and we threw it away.

Stuart Kettlewell's substitutions were confusing - they somehow made the game worse for us. By the 60th minute it was as if we were a team deflated, having taken the lead in the first half. If we had just stuck it out, we could have made it into extra time and penalties where anything could have happened.

Giving Lennon Miller the armband was a mistake. I was incredibly proud of him but the captaincy was far too much pressure for him in such a high-stakes game.

Andy Halliday scoring was phenomenal, it was an amazing goal and at the time I didn't even notice the lack of celebration, but it has bothered me looking back.

Why does Halliday feel the need to make gestures as though he is sorry for scoring when he left Rangers years ago? He is employed by Motherwell and he was doing his job by scoring.

If I were to apologise to my former employer for doing my current job everyone would look at me strangely.

Not celebrating with your teammates in the biggest game of our season just feels odd to me. Players around the world have done the same and that is up to the individuals involved, but it just doesn't sit right on this occasion.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller is targeting more Hampden appearances with Motherwell after Sunday's League Cup semi-final defeat by Rangers.

The Steelmen led through Andy Halliday's first-half strike, but two second-half concessions ended their hopes of a first major trophy since 1991.

"It's my first semi-final in my career, I want to have many more – especially with this club," Miller said.

"It's a massive achievement to get here, so we can't less this affect our season.

"First half I thought we were really good. We maybe didn't create as many chances as we would have wanted but we go in at 1-0.

"The early goal in the second half kinds of kills us. A good team like Rangers are going to punish you. Early goal maybe knocks our confidence a little."

Miller was named captain for the semi-final in Stephen O'Donnell's absence, and despite being praised by fans and pundits alike for his displays this season, the 18-year-old insists there is more to come.

"[My season has] been alright," he said. "I'm a harsh critic to myself – I want more goals and assists."

Image source, SNS

After a scintillating run of form, that included captaining his club in a cup semi-final at just 18 yesterday, some onlookers thought Lennon Miller might have won his maiden Scotland call-up today.

He is certainly on Steve Clarke's radar, but the Scotland head coach explained his decision to allow the teenager "to grow", rather than be called up for the upcoming matches against Croatia and Poland.

"It's good for Lennon, it's good for his club," Clarke said. "He's another young one that everyone wants to hype and push.

"It's important to let young players to grow. Let's just allow Lennon a little bit of space and time to grow."

Clarke spoke similarly about Ben Doak, 18, not all that long ago before calling him up for the Euros squad - which he missed through injury - and the Nations League campaign, in which he has won four caps.

"You want to have as many difficult choices as you can, you want to have as many good players as you can, so the more young players coming through the better it is for everybody in Scotland," Clarke continued.

"It's already been mentioned in one of the reports that came out recently that we don’t produce enough young players, so hopefully we can in the future."

Instead, Miller will remain with the Scotland Under-19s over the international break, as they prepare for three home European Championship qualifiers against Wales, Liechtenstein and France.

We asked for your views on Motherwell’s 2-1 defeat against Rangers to knock them out of the League Cup.

Here's what some of you said:

George: A good opportunity missed through lack of composure when on the ball and a distinct lack of ambition. Stuart Kettlewell's weaknesses were apparent - Kofi Balmer's long throws were often the start of Rangers counter-attacks and his substitutions were inexcusable.

Michael: I thought we started off slow with slack play and low work rate. But once we got the first goal from amazing link-up play, we sprung into life and began playing to our usually standards. Towards the last 25 minutes we ran out of steam and our midfield fell apart.

Col: A missed opportunity. We were playing against a team low in confidence and should have capitalised on that. Instead we played an ultra-defensive formation which left our front players isolated and largely ineffective. Lennon Miller looked subdued today, perhaps the responsibilty of team captain was too much on such an important occasion.

Mark: Awful. Probably one of the worst performances I’ve seen in cup competition in a long time. No belief we could win, didn’t trouble them at all. Kettlewell's substitutes were baffling to say the least. Miller as captain completely backfired - he was never in the game. One to forget for all concerned.

Robert: I haven’t felt so deflated after a game for a long time. Fair play to Rangers for taking their chances, but they were there for the taking. If we had been more confident we would have been able to ramp up the pressure after scoring. It’s a very sore one to take.

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

Image source, SNS

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.

Image source, SNS

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.

Image source, SNS

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."

Image source, SNS

• 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

Image source, SNS

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."

Image source, SNS

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.

Image source, SNS

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

Image source, SNS

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.

Image source, SNS

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

Image source, SNS

• 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