Motherwell

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Stuart Kettlewell says he's delighted to have one of the "top" teenagers in Scotland at Motherwell following Lennon Miller's nomination for PFA Scotland young player of the year.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Fir Park, with his manager insisting he'd be full of praise for the midfielder even if he played elsewhere.

“I know that his feet will still be firmly set on the ground, it’s just the lad he is," Kettlewell said.

“He will run with it and I’m sure he will put himself in a position where he tries to perform again this Saturday.

“I have not shied away from it, because of the nature of the person and the lad that he is, he is unquestionably one of the best, if not the best, talent that I have worked with.

“I just think he is a really exciting talent. If he was playing at one of the other clubs I would be waxing lyrical about him as well because I do get excited when you see really good footballers in Scotland.

“It’s brilliant for us all to market and sell the product and the brand in this country.

“I am absolutely delighted that I feel we have got one of the top guys at his age and somebody that I believe can go on and have a real, real good future in the game."

It's been an up and down season for Motherwell, but who do you think deserves to be named the club's player of the year?

Theo Bair has been banging them in, while Blair Spittal has been integral for the Fir Park side.

Can you choose between the pair, or does someone else deserve the nod? Have your say here.

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• Motherwell have only lost one of their last 13 league meetings with Livingston (W8 D4), going down 2-0 in October this season.

• Livingston are winless in their last 15 top-flight visits to Motherwell (D3 L12) since a 5-1 victory in October 2002.

• Motherwell have failed to win any of their last four home league matches (D2 L2). In fact, since winning their first two home league matches of the season back in August, the Steelmen have won just two of their last 15 at Fir Park (D6 L7).

• Livingston have lost 12 of their last 13 Scottish Premiership matches on the road (D1) and are winless in 15 away from home (D3 L12), their longest winless run on their travels since August 2019 (run of 18).

• Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly has completed 317 long passes in the Scottish Premiership this season, at least 43 more than any other player. In fact, of goalkeepers to have completed 100+ long passes this season, only David Marshall (43.2%) and Jack Butland (40.7%) have a better accuracy than Kelly (37.8% - 317 of 838 completed).

Motherwell welcome a struggling Livingston side to Fir Park on Saturday, but who should be in the starting line-up?

Put yourself in Stuart Kettlewell's shoes and pick your XI here.

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Twenty-six decisions since the start of the Premiership season have been deemed incorrect by the Scottish FA's VAR independent review panel.

The tally, based on incidents requested by the panel or submitted for consideration, is a rise of 10 since February's last meeting of the group.

Not among the incidents included was one where Hibernian claimed the Scottish FA agreed an error had been made.

The governing body later disputed that assertion, made after Hibs were not awarded a penalty after Aberdeen's Nicky Devlin handled in February's 2-2 draw.

The 10 incorrect decisions shared with Premiership clubs on Wednesday were:

Rangers 2-1 Aberdeen (6/02/24): VAR intervention was correct, but final outcome should have been yellow card to Rangers' Dujon Sterling. Referee retained his on-field decision of a red card.

St Mirren 2-0 Dundee (7/02/24): VAR intervention was correct, but final outcome should have been yellow card to St Mirren's James Bolton. Referee retained his on-field decision of a red card.

Ross County 1-1 St Mirren (27/2/24): VAR should have recommended an on-field review. Final outcome should have been penalty awarded against Ross County for handball.

Hearts 1-1 Hibernian (28/2/24): VAR intervention correct, but penalty decision, which led to Hearts' equaliser, should have been overturned - no foul and no penalty should have been awarded.

Kilmarnock 1-2 Rangers (28/2/24): VAR should have recommended an on-field review. Final outcome should have been penalty decision, which led to Kilmarnock opening the scoring, overturned - no handball offense against Rangers.

Hearts 2-0 Celtic (3/3/24): VAR should have recommended an on-field review. Penalty decision should have been overturned - no foul and no penalty should have been awarded to Celtic.

Hearts 2-0 Celtic (3/3/24): On-field decision correct, no penalty to Hearts. Handball should not have been awarded for spot-kick that led to opening goal.

Motherwell 0-1 Aberdeen (16/04/24): VAR should have recommended an on-field review. Penalty to Motherwell should have been awarded for handball.

Hibernian 1-2 St Johnstone (6/4/24): VAR should have recommended an on-field review. Penalty should have been awarded to Hibs for foul by St Johnstone goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov.

St Mirren 1-2 Hearts (6/4/24): VAR intervention correct, but penalty should have been awarded to St Mirren for a foul on Conor McMenamin by Aidan Denholm.

It's not often a controversial refereeing decision prompts sympathy for both player and official, but that's how Rory Loy views Jack Vale's red card at Aberdeen.

The Motherwell striker, on loan from Blackburn, caught Jack MacKenzie with a high boot and was immediately dismissed by referee Craig Napier.

Aberdeen went on to score the only goal of the game four minutes later.

Fir Park boss Stuart Kettlewell described the decision as "laughable" before the Lanarkshire club made an appeal that failed.

"I've actually got a lot of sympathy with both the referees and Vale with this incident," BBC Scotland pundit Loy said on Tuesday's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Intent's not always relevant, but I think in this case it is. The ball's dropping over his shoulder, he's not looking, he's trying to control it, his foot's not that high and he doesn't see the opponent.

"But under the current laws of the game, that is a red card. Should the laws be looked at? Potentially, but I think the referee has to make that call."

Jane Lewis
BBC Scotland

Stuart Kettlewell has issued a rallying call. He wants Motherwell supporters to get behind the team for their last four matches, starting with Livingston.

No doubt Livi will come to Fir Park on a high after their win last weekend against Ross County, which just about keeps their heads above water.

In contrast, Motherwell were left full of frustration after "one decision changed the game" against Aberdeen.

Kettlewell believes referee Craig Napier made a major mistake in sending off Jack Vale. As if to prove their point, the club made an appeal they ultimately lost, meaning Vale will serve a two-game suspension.

Of course it’s common place for managers to sometimes question officials after a sore loss, but Kettlewell’s post-match interview felt more than just a manager expressing disappointment in defeat.

He says he believes the game has "a serious problem" with some referees making significant mistakes. Harsh words, not to mention allegations.

But now Kettlewell and his players need to move on.

Livi are in survival mode and fight on after a morale-boosting win over County, although a defeat at Fir Park would all but confirm their relegation.

Meanwhile, victory for Motherwell would almost certainly guarantee them survival - that should be all the motivation they need.

Lennon Miller, the 17-year-old Scotland youth midfielder, is hopeful "the big move will come one day" but adds that "right now I just want to focus on playing for Motherwell". (Scottish Sun), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish Gossip in full here.

Motherwell have failed with a bid to have Jack Vale's red card overturned.

The Welsh forward, on loan from Blackburn Rovers, was dismissed for a high challenge 56 minutes into Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Pittodrie.

He will miss games against Livingston and Ross County after a Scottish Football Association appeal hearing went against him.

Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell had described referee Craig Napier’s decision as "laughable", saying: "Jack MacKenzie comes steaming into Jack Vale, I thought it might have been our foul."

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Teenager Lennon Miller says "getting the trust" of his more experienced Motherwell team-mates has been key to the 17-year-old excelling in an impressive breakthrough season.

A stellar campaign, during which the midfielder has made 27 appearances, has resulted in Miller being named on the shortlist for PFA young player of the year.

Having impressed early in the season at the age of just 16, Motherwell’s dip in form coincided with a two-month injury for the teenager, who suffered a fractured kneecap in November.

"It’s gone a lot better than I could have imagined," fit-again Miller said of his season.

"To get that injury was a low point, but I’ve come back and got myself back in the team.

"I just go on the pitch and try to enjoy the game as much as I can. I just tried to take it in my stride and the experienced players have helped with that.

"It helps getting the trust of your team-mates, they will give you the ball under pressure and know you deal with it."

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

It might not have been the best post-split start for Motherwell, but there are positives to take from Saturday's defeat at Aberdeen.

Liam Kelly has played his way back into form and made some outstanding saves, showing glimpses of the keeper we know he can be.

Pittodrie has never been an easy place to travel to and we have struggled against the Dons this season. No-one will be happy with the result but we have to take it for what it is, another lesson.

Jack Vale’s red card seems to have angered Stuart Kettlewell. But, despite not knowing what studs to that place must feel like, I do have to agree it was a red.

After watching different angles you can see Vale's studs were up, even if it was accidental on Jack MacKenzie.

Overall, it’s one game down and another four to go before we can close the book on what has felt like one long season.

Sean McGill
BBC Sport Scotland

From unknown commodity to one of Motherwell's most important players. It's been quite the campaign for Lennon Miller.

The 17-year-old has gone from strength to strength since impressing in the League Cup group stages, quickly becoming one of the first names on Stuart Kettlewell's teamsheet.

His absence was felt in the winter months after sustaining a knee injury against Aberdeen at the start of November.

In fact, his absence has been felt whenever the teenager hasn't played.

Motherwell have won seven of their 21 league games when Miller has played this season (33.3%), compared to just one of 13 when he hasn’t (7.7%).

While the wait goes on for his first Premiership goal in claret and amber, his outrageous turn to see off Celtic and Scotland stalwart Callum McGregor in February was a sign of his quality.

The hype around Miller would only increase if he's named PFA Scotland young player of the year by beating Kilmarnock's David Watson, Lyall Cameron of Dundee and Rangers winger Ross McCausland.

His injury lay-off may hamper his chances of claiming the prize, but there's no denying his talent has lit up the league at times this year.

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Motherwell have appealed against the red card shown to striker Jack Vale in their defeat at Aberdeen on Saturday.

The Blackburn Rovers loanee was dismissed in the 56th minute for a challenge on Dons defender Jack MacKenzie.

Following the game, Stuart Kettlewell likened referee Craig Napier to an "Olympic sprinter" after showing red to the "honest" Vale.

Watch the best of action as Aberdeen edge out Motherwell at Pittodrie. (Available to UK users only)

We asked for your thoughts on Motherwell's 1-0 defeat away to Aberdeen on Saturday.

Here is what some of you said:

George: Disappointed we didn't go for a more attacking line-up. Jack Vale was too deep, Blair Spittal is no longer interested in working really hard, Georgie Gent was asked to do too much. Too tame and lacking in real intent. Wish this season was over.

Grant: Yet again another dreadful decision by the ref that wasn't overturned by VAR. That's a couple of times against Aberdeen that we have been cheated and lost points. It's as if they are the bigger team so they are getting the decisions rather than what's right.

Anon: Rubbish, just rubbish.

Were you at Pittodrie or following the match from home? Either way, we want your views on the game – have your say here.

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Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell: "The entire game hinges on one moment.

"There's nothing in the game. We started the first half really well, and the second really positively. Aberdeen had their wee bit, we had ours and neither keeper was particularly well worked.

"The game hinges on one moment where the referee is like an Olympic sprinter to get over and hand out a straight red card.

"Anyone who knows Jack Vale knows he's the quietest, most mild-mannered lad you'll ever meet. He's a technician and as honest as the day is long.

"The ball is dropping. He hooks it over his shoulder and if you look Jack Mackenzie comes charging into him and, at that point, its not Jack Mackenzie's ball to win.

"Jack gets there first quite clearly. He makes lovely contact to get it over his shoulder to try and let us get up the park.

"Anyone who has played the game or watched and loves football understands what the situation looks like and what the outcome should be."

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Thomas Duncan, BBC Sport Scotland

Motherwell will try to move on quickly from this. They were right in the game without being particularly good until Jack Vale's ill-advised tackle.

They are seven points clear of the relegation play-off, which should be enough to stay up. In that sense it is job done. Though there will be some concern from Stuart Kettlewell that key players like Blair Spittal appear to have gone off the boil in recent games.