Motherwell

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Motherwell have not ruled out a possible return for fans' favourite Kevin van Veen before the end of the January window.

The 32-year-old left for Groningen in the summer, but the Dutch side are open to offers for the out-of-favour striker and a loan could be their only option as the transfer deadline approaches.

“I’m not sure anything’s out the water," Motherwell assistant manager Stephen Frail said. "That could be one of those last-minute things.

“We all know what a fantastic end of the season Kev had, he was absolutely terrific, but I think a big part of that was his team-mates, the way they serviced him, but also the way the manager managed him.

“They have a really good relationship and wherever Kev goes I’m sure he will be an asset to whatever club he joins.”

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• Motherwell are unbeaten in four home league games against Kilmarnock (W3 D1), winning both of their last two.

• After their 1-0 win in November, Kilmarnock could win successive Scottish Premiership games against Motherwell for the first time since December 2018 (run of 4).

• Motherwell have won just one of their last 18 league games (D8 L9), a 3-1 victory over Livingston in December. The Steelmen had won three of their opening four league games of the season before this (D1).

• Kilmarnock have lost just one of their last eight league matches (W4 D3), although this one defeat came in their last away match (1-3 v Rangers).

• Kilmarnock’s Danny Armstrong has created more chances (68) and more big chances (17) than any other player in the Scottish Premiership this season. He also has a league-high 6.8 expected assists in the division this term, while only Luis Palma (9) has more assists than him overall (8).

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Motherwell have revealed Celtic loanee Adam Montgomery will be out for "a considerable period of time" after he picked up a "serious" hamstring injury in training.

Montgomery signed for Motherwell on loan earlier this month, and made his debut in the Scottish Cup against Alloa, but will now return to his parent club for treatment.

Motherwell fans, what positions do you think need to be targeted before the January transfer window slams shut on Thursday, and how many incomings would you like to see?

Also, how would you rate the business done to this point?

Send us your thoughts here.

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Motherwell have announced the signing of striker Jack Vale on loan from Blackburn until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old is a product of Blackburn's academy, and has made 25 first-team appearances for the English Championship side, scoring two goals.

Vale spent the first half of this season on loan at League One Lincoln City, where he scored two goals and contributed a further two assists in 17 games.

“It’s great to get Jack in as he plays in an area of the pitch we have been desperately trying to recruit,” manager Stuart Kettlewell said.

“He has got plenty experience at Championship level for a boy his age and he is highly regarded of at Blackburn.

“Jack has found the back of the net regularly at Under 21 level in England and this loan will provide him with a platform and opportunity to do the same again in Scotland.”

Can Motherwell turn draws into a win as they welcome Kilmarnock to Fir Park on Saturday.

Stuart Kettlwell was full of praise for his side's performance in Perth last time out, so will he stick with the same XI?

Who would you like to see in the starting line-up. Pick your team here.

Jane Lewis, BBC Sport Scotland

Motherwell have now gone four matches unbeaten, and in their draw at St Johnstone on Saturday, turned in one of their "better performances of the season," in the words of Stuart Kettlewell.

His side still struggled in front of goal, with a lack of cutting edge continuing to be an issue. There’s still time for a striker to walk through the Fir Park front door, but it needs to be a player who’s going to make a real difference in front of goal. Let's face it, during the January window, they’re hard to come by.

You either splash the cash (which Motherwell can’t do) or you turn to the loan market hoping another club is on the lookout for a side to give one of their goal-hungry fringe players some game time.

They could also do with getting a break on the injury front. Losing Adam Montgomery after a really promising debut, was the worst of luck for both Motherwell and the player. On a positive note, it’s great to see Lennon Miller making his comeback from injury in the last two games. Kettlewell will be cautious about his return though, managing him will be crucial.

Next up for is Kilmarnock at home in what is sure to be a tricky test! Dereik McInnes' side are going strong, with a defeat at Ibrox their only loss in the last eight outings. Previous games have been close between the sides this season, although form certainly favours the Ayrshire side this time around.

While preparing his side for the weekend, Kettlewell would have been keeping a keen eye on events in West Lothian as Livingston faced Ross County on Tuesday night... Not just because Motherwell face the Staggies next Tuesday.

A share of the spoils probably suited the Steelmen. If Ross County had come away with a win, they’d have moved level on points with 'Well.

Their meeting in North Lanarkshire nect week was always likely to be significant, so ahead of that one, taking something against Killie would be more than favourable.

Jenna Thomson, Motherwell fan

After a hectic week for Motherwell, it's hard to complain with a point in the road, especially considering the string of issues we've been facing recently.

Stuart Kettlewell was correct to call out the referee performance, with far too many inconsistencies were present throughout the game. Booking Liam Kelly for rightly calling out concerns over St Johnstone’s goal was ludicrous.

Lennon Miller making a return was a huge boost for us. The youngster has been sorely missed and has become a vital part of our squad. Unfortunately, another young player will be taking his place on the treatment table, with Adam Montgomery facing a few months on the sidelines.

However, Andy Halliday has slotted into the team nicely and it’ll be interesting to see how things play out with him as the season progresses.

Next week we will play three games in the space of seven days with Kilmarnock at home on Saturday, Ross County at home on Tuesday, then a trip to Greenock on Friday night as we look to progress in the Scottish Cup.

It has the potential to be a make or break week for Motherwell.

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Motherwell aren't far away from putting the pieces together and dragging themselves out of relegation trouble, says former Scotland striker Lee Miller.

With son Lennon having recently returned to the Steelmen squad, the ex-Aberdeen and Falkirk frontman has kept a close eye on Stuart Kettlewell's side.

Speaking on BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, Miller believes the Fir Park club have dropped points in games they should have won and will need to get more bodies in to climb the table.

"They're so close," he said. "I went to the Hibs game, they should have won that game, they should have seen that out. One slack clearance, then Hibs get the goal and they draw that game as well.

"They had so much of the play on Saturday there that they should have won the game. They should have won the game with a few chances.

"St Johnstone never really offered much, albeit obviously scoring really early in the game from a set play, and Motherwell have really struggled defending set plays this season.

"They just need a scrappy 1-0. Get the points on the board and go on a three/four-game winning streak and it would get them up there.

"Because they have got the squad to do it, I believe. They do need to make a couple of signings, maybe another striker to help Theo Bair up there because if he gets an injury, then they're down to the bare bones.

"We've got a couple of young boys, but I don't think you can rely on that going forward and starting games, obviously with the pressure of being down that end of the league."

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Jonathan Sutherland, Sportscene presenter

Once again, Blair Spittal was the standout for Motherwell in what was an otherwise frustrating afternoon.

Leading the way in all kinds of metrics for the Steelmen, the midfielder provided the creative spark as his side put in one of their better performances of the season at McDiarmid Park.

If Stuart Kettlewell's men are to turn draws into wins, they'll need more of the squad to reach Spittal's level.

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After drawing with St Johnstone, Motherwell are now unbeaten in four and the man spearheading their fight to stay in the Premiership was disappointed his side didn't pick up all three points.

Striker Theo Bair has four goals in his last three games and has become a key figure for Stuart Kettlewell's side during his first season in Lanarkshire.

"We want to keep the form up, we are training well and it is very positive in the dressing room, but today we will be disappointed to not come away with three points, we thought we were the better side," Bair said.

It will be hard to keep the good form up with the number of injuries Motherwell currently have. Bair is one of only two strikers at the club, with the other - Jon Obika - currently cropped.

"Clearly we have had a couple of blows but the team is very together, very positive. The gaffer and the rest of the staff have kept us together so we are digging deep, and I think you can see that from our performance that we are not ready to give up."

New signing Adam Montgomery joined the injury list through the week, alongside Shane Blaney, Dan Casey, Callum Slattery and Obika.

"Everyone knows that you have to do your job and that you have to be prepared to put your body on the line because of the lack of options.

"Obviously we have got some good points, unbeaten in four, so we are just looking to keep putting points on the board and stay together and stay positive."

Well fans, were you at McDiarmid Park? Did you see that a point secured or two points lost?

And what does Stuart Kettlewell need to do this week in the transfer window?

Let us know your thoughts here.

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: "I thought we pretty much controlled the game. First couple of minutes we conceded a really soft goal which we're obviously disappointed about - we know St Johnstone carry a threat with their deliveries and their physical presence. But in general play and open play I thought we were by far the best side.

"It was one of our better performances in some time. The one thing that was missing was that killer instinct in front of goal, even though we got into some really good scenarios, but I thought our control of the game was as good as you can have it in many ways away from home."

The refereeing performance attracted some criticism from the manager afterwards, however, as he warned of a lack of control over the physicality on display.

"I'm fed up coming out here after every single game and referencing the momentum changers in the game of football today," he said.

"There were so many aspects, and so many decisions and so many needless fouls given and yellow cards dished out in certain scenarios - I'd just like there to be a modicum of common sense and a wee bit more control of the game.

"There was a spell here where everywhere you looked at a decision, the other one seemed to be given, not least Harry Paton being dealt an elbow to the face and the referee playing on. That was unforgivable."

Iain Hepburn
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell will feel this was two points dropped after an impressive attacking performance was blunted by a lack of cutting edge.

The Steelmen created plenty of chances, and largely dominated the flanks, but despite Theo Bair’s powerful header for the equaliser, they somehow contrived to get just two of their 11 chances on target.

Stuart Kettlewell said before the game he hoped to have two or three more players signed by now, and with the transfer window running out he will be racing to add firepower to a forward line beset by injury.

St Johnstone will be the more relieved, having withstood heavy pressure from the visitors after snatching an early lead, but their mid-block proved successful in limiting the amount of direct traffic to Motherwell’s forwards.

Liam Gordon limping off shortly before half time will not be welcomed by Craig Levein, particularly as he looks to welcome back the likes of Nicky Clark and Kerr Smith from injury.

But once again Dimitar Mitov showed he’s been more than worth his wages to the club, keeping Saints in the match.

Andy Halliday makes his first start for Motherwell as the only change to Stuart Kettlewell's line-up from last week's game - in place of the injured Adam Montgomerie.

New signings Callan Elliot and Sam Nicholson take their place on the bench, along with the returning Shane Blaney

• Follow all the action here

St Johnstone: Mitov, Considine, McGowan, Gordon, Carey, Kucheriavyi, Robinson, M Smith, Kimpioka, Keltjens, Phillips.

Substitutes: Richards, Gallagher, Clark, Jaiysimi, Olufunwa, Sprangler, K Smith, Franczak, C Smith.

Motherwell: Kelly, O'Donnell, Mugabi, Butcher, McGinn, Gent, Zdravkovski, Halliday, Paton, Spittal, Bair.

Substitutes: Oxborough, Nicholson, Blaney, Elliot, Ferrie, Wells, Miller, L Ross, M Ross.

Celtic left-back Adam Montgomery has picked a hamstring injury just days after joining Motherwell on loan and it will sideline the 21-year-old for three months. (Scottish Sun), external

Scott Fraser, who previously had a transfer to Motherwell fall through after failing to agree terms, remains in Scotland after having travelled north to sign for Heart of Midlothian and is still hoping Charlton Athletic will give him the green light to make the move despite having been left in limbo as the English club want to appoint a new manager first. (Daily Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

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Connor Smith could make his St Johnstone debut if the paperwork is completed following his move from Hearts. Nicky Clark, Chris Kane and Kerr Smith trained on Friday after missing the midweek draw with Aberdeen. Ali Crawford, Sam McClelland and Drey Wright are still not ready to return while Cammy MacPherson and Ross Sinclair are long-term absentees.

Motherwell could have New Zealand international Callan Elliot and Sam Nicholson in their squad but both are short of match fitness. Shane Blaney and Dan Casey and are back on the training pitch but might not be ready while Jon Obika and Callum Slattery remain out.

Did you know? The home side has not won the past seven league meetings of St Johnstone and Motherwell.

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Andy Halliday wants to help nurture the next generation of Motherwell players after making a loan move to Fir Park this month.

Halliday made a debut as a substitute in last weekend’s win over Alloa after sharing the bench with six 17-year-olds, and says getting to know those youngsters is part of his role as a senior player.

“I am passionate about youth development, especially in Scotland and Motherwell have been one of the staple clubs over the years that have produced through the youth system," Halliday said.

"A lot of good players have come through and there are a couple in the squad just now.

“It’s a passion driven with the football club that I want to help. A big part of me coming in was making yourself familiar with everyone but learn all the younger lads’ names and try and help them out day to day.

“I am 32 now so I always think as an experienced player that should be one of your roles.

“I always remember when I was a younger player, when one of the more experienced players took time out to help you or even just talk to you, what a difference it made. That is part of my remit as a Motherwell player.”

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• Four of the last six Scottish Premiership meetings between St. Johnstone and Motherwell at McDiarmid Park have ended in a score draw (1-1 x3 and 2-2), with each side also winning one match during this period.

• Motherwell have only won one of their last seven top-flight matches against St. Johnstone (D3 L3), although they are unbeaten in their last three against the Saints (W1 D2).

• St. Johnstone are unbeaten in each of their last three home league matches (W2 D1), and could go unbeaten in four for the second time this season. If they do so, it’ll be the first time that they have put together two separate 4+ match unbeaten home runs in the same league campaign since 2019-20.

• Of the current Scottish Premiership clubs, only St. Johnstone (11) and Livingston (9) are on a longer ongoing winless run away from home in the division than Motherwell (8 – D4 L4), with the Steelmen drawing four of their last five on the road.

• St. Johnstone’s Dan Phillips has won more tackles (34) than any other player in the Scottish Premiership this season, while he is only one of two players in the division this season to have won 25+ tackles (34), made 25+ interceptions (25), won 50+ duels (131) and won 25+ aerial duels (26), along with Hibernian’s Lewis Miller.