Motherwell

We asked you Motherwell fans for your views on the goalless draw with Hibernian at Fir Park. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Edward: The most disappointing result of the season in my mind. Looked tired and leggy. International break will do us good.

Hugh: This off-side rule is a farce. If the pass is off side when it is made, why does it take three minutes approx for the flag to go up? It is very frustrating for the fans.

James: Not a great game for both teams, no cutting edge, another clean sheet but not a good spectacle.

Bruce: Well were flat today. Frustrating performance spoiled by inconsistent refereeing and VAR continuing to baffle with its application. Are the clubs who pay for this getting good value? Destroying spontaneity with long delays.

Fourth-placed Motherwell maintained their six-point lead over Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership but failed to put pressure on the top three ahead of the international break after a stalemate at Fir Park.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "It doesn't feel like a big point right now but in eight weeks it might be a very big point.

"There were a lot of things to be happy about - our defensive intensity, our ability to keep them away from big chances - but we could all see and feel we lacked the last bit of sharpness to open them up.

"We were unlucky in the first half, it was a very tight offside call, and JT had a big moment in the second half but he didn't connect well enough with the ball.

"Credit to both teams, they really made it hard for the opposition to create big opportunities.

"You always want a good, solid defensive performance. You know how good Hibs are but we didn't allow them to show that today and that's a big thing for me. We know they have some of the best crossers in the league so we had to defend the box extremely well and we also know they can really put pressure on you in set plays. I think in all these areas we were really good.

"We always hoped for our attacking players to really create the magic that we've seen them do for a long time. They didn't really succeed in doing that today.

"We're happy that the pitch has more tempo in it now, there's more grass out there, but you saw towards the end of the game it was still bouncing in some important moments when you were hoping it would just come straight at you. It possibly made a bit of a difference today. Next time we play, in two weeks' time, hopefully the pitch will be better."

Image source, SNS

New Zealand boss Darren Bazeley says Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just "looks like the best player in the league at the moment", with Rangers and Celtic both interested in the 25-year-old. (Daily Record - subscription required), external

Image source, SNS

Motherwell defender Emmanuel Longelo drops out through suspension but Stephen Welsh returns.

Regan Charles-Cook remains out alongside Johnny Koutroumbis (calf), Callum Hendry (groin) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Hibernian defenders Jordan Obita and Grant Hanley are back in contention after hamstring issues but Rudi Molitnikov and Josh Mulligan (both ankle) are unavailable.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Motherwell midfielder Tom Sparrow insists they are focused on ensuring the season ends on a high with sights set on claiming a European place as reward for their high-flying season.

The Fir Park side face fifth placed Hibernian on Saturday, six points clear of the Edinburgh side with eight league games remaining.

"That's a big thing, to make sure we don't just peter out and that we finish strongly because what we've done this season would be a real disappointment if we didn't do that," he explained.

"Everyone's definitely focused on that. I think we need to push for that, [Europe] definitely.

"I've never played in Europe personally, something I'd obviously love to do. There's a few lads who have, which is obviously good for us because they know what it takes to get there. So, yes, definitely the aim and definitely something that I think we can get to."

Much of the focus of late has been on whether Motherwell could mount a challenge for the Scottish Premiership title. Back-to-back defeats against Dundee and Celtic has tempered that given they sit 10 point adrift of leaders Hearts.

However, playing the side immediately below them in the table offers David Gray's side to move just three points adrift of Motherwell.

"It's not something we've spoke about, but obviously that is the reality," Sparrow added.

"I think you just have to take it for what it is. You play each other so many times up here that we'll play them again after this weekend. Three points would be important but if not, just go again the next week."

Image source, SNS

• After their 2-0 win in November, Motherwell are looking for back-to-back home league wins over Hibs within a single season for the first time since 2007-08.

• Hibs have only lost two of their past eight league meetings with Motherwell (W3 D3), although are winless against them in the Scottish Premiership this season (D1 L1).

• Motherwell have lost their past two league games, conceding as many goals in those matches as they had in their previous 19 in the Premiership (five). The Steelmen last lost more league fixtures in a row in February 2025 (five).

• Hibs have only lost two of their past 13 league games (W6 D5) and are unbeaten in four (W2 D2) since a 1-0 defeat to Hearts in February.

• Motherwell's Ibrahim Said has created 33 chances in the league this season but is yet to provide an assist, the most of any player without setting up a goal. Said also ranks second in the top flight for dribbles completed (52), behind Djeidi Gassama (53).

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking with the media before Motherwell's home Premiership fixture against Hibernian on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• With no Motherwell players selected for Scotland's pre-World Cup upcoming friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast, the Danish manager says it was no surprise to him, adding it's "not up to me".

• "I would be very surprised if there were suddenly a lot of changes in that squad that has brought them there [to the World Cup]," he says. "We play a very different style of football than the national team does."

• But Askou adds: "I do hope that all our players get to live that dream, that I was nowhere near when I was playing back in the days. Some of them might have hoped, because they've had a good season, but it's not something that has been a topic in our club."

• Motherwell are six points ahead of Hibs, who they face on Saturday, but Askou insists: "We try to look forward. Staring at a league table won't make us better. We are fully aware we are in a position now in the league we would love to stay in and then reach out for whatever is possible from there."

• The Dane says European football is now the target having secured a top-six place: "Getting into Europe and getting these qualification matches after the summer break is something that we are really ambitious about."

• He describes Hibs as a team that have had "some really good spells" and recruited well, having sold Kieron Bowie "for a really good fee", something he hopes will lead the way for other clubs to generate more income.

• Askou adds: "I hope in general for Scottish football that we are able to lift our income transfer revenue."

• On the chance of big-money departures for players linked with moves in the summer, Askou says: "That's the ambition we have on their behalf when they come here, that they get an opportunity to highlight and showcase themselves and lift the club at the same time up to the next level. And then when the time is right, like it was with Lennon [Miller] last summer, and like it wasn't in the winter for a few of our players where there was some possibilities if we had chased them, it will happen."

• Elijah Just is fit for the weekend although Emmanuel Longelo is suspended for one match after his red card in the defeat to Celtic. On-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh is available again.

Image source, SNS

Former referee Steve Conroy thinks it is "mission creep" with VAR in Scottish football before new changes to the laws for the upcoming World Cup.

VAR was introduced in Scotland almost four years ago but has frequently been criticised by fans, players, managers and former players.

Now there could be more changes to the scope of technology as football's law-making body the International Football Association Board (Ifab) backed plans to increase the powers of VAR.

For this summer's World Cup in America, VAR will be allowed to intervene on second yellow cards and the awarding of corners, provided the process doesn't slow down the flow of play.

Ifab has also expanded the countdown rule around goalkeepers where they have eight seconds to release the ball from their hands to include goal kicks and throw-ins.

But former referee Conroy thinks involving the technology in more decision-making is bad news for the game.

"It's inescapable that there is more and more mission creep with VAR," he told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"The authorities seem hell-bent on using it more and more and relying on it and I think that is to the detriment of football.

"I know Ifab are talking about getting them involved for corners and second yellows and all that sort of stuff. As [Celtic interim manager] Martin O'Neill said, soon enough we'll just referee from a port-a-cabin somewhere.

"And this is all happening at the same time as every football supporter survey tells you that they just want it binned."

Image source, SNS

Aston Oxborough has rejoined Dunfermline to resume his loan spell from Motherwell until the end of the season.

The goalkeeper, 27, moved to the Pars last month and made four appearances - including the Scottish Cup win over Aberdeen - before being recalled by his parent club last week following an injury to Matty Connelly.

Connelly has now recovered, allowing Oxborough to return to East End Park as the Pars eye promotion to the Premiership and a place in the Scottish Cup final.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

While the league title could be out of their reach this season, Jens Berthel Askou's Motherwell continue to top the charts in other departments.

After Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Celtic, Motherwell are 10 points behind Hearts at the top of the Premiership with eight games to play, five of them after the split.

But when all is said and done there can be no doubt this has been an outstanding season for the Steelmen.

And three members of Jens Berthel Askou's team are top of the table for individual achievements.

Top league scorer - Tawanda Maswanhise (16 goals)

Maswanhise joined Motherwell in summer 2024 on a short-term deal but by October he was already signed up until the end of 2026.

He netted six goals in 34 appearances across all competitions last term and has blown that number out the water this term with 21 in 36.

His 16 goals in the league is the highest of any Premiership player. Celtic midfielder Benjamin Nygren is next on 15 while Hearts striker Claudio Braga is on 12.

Most league assists (8) - Callum Slattery

While Motherwell fans could debate for hours who has been their player of the season, Slattery's name would surely be in the conversation.

The 27-year-old missed over a month with a knee injury at the start of the campaign but since his return has been an ever-present in Askou's side.

He has set up 10 goals in 36 games across all competitions so far, eight of those have come in the league. No player in Scotland's top division has more assists than the Motherwell midfielder.

Falkirk's Calvin Miller, Dundee's Cameron Congreve and Celtic's Kieran Tierney are all on seven.

Most league clean sheets (16) - Calum Ward

Between the sticks, Ward has been an important part of Motherwell's success.

Having overcome a shaky start as he adjusted to Askou's bold possession-based style, the 25-year-old has helped Motherwell to a club record 21 clean sheets in all competitions (he featured in 19 of those matches).

Ward's 16 league clean sheets is the most of any Premiership goalkeeper, with Hearts' Alexander Schwolow second on 12.

Ward has made 86 saves and has a save percentage of almost 80%, the most of any goalkeeper who has played more than five matches this term.

Image source, SNS

Despite back-to-back defeats silencing talk of a Scottish Premiership title push, Jens Berthel Askou's Motherwell approach continues to generate intrigue.

A sitdown interview with Open Goal, external, along with an access-all-areas feature in The Athletic, external, has provided further insight into how the Danish coach works.

Here are three key takeaways:

What is Askou's system?

The Dane's asymmetric 4-2-2-2 formation demands short, incisive passing, aided by players constantly rotating and making forward runs.

Aggressive counter-pressing and a deliberate choice not to contest first balls in defence have contributed to Motherwell having the best defence in the league, while they are also among the best sides in Europe for regaining possession.

Askou's bible and blame-free coaching

The 43-year-old Askou fights against "blame culture" and has made his players - such as Scottish football veterans Paul McGinn and Stephen O'Donnell - feel "free" by accepting errors to ensure they do not fear taking risks.

He has a "football bible" comprising more than 300 slides detailing his game model, from pressing and playing against 10 men to defending against goal kicks.

Bodo/Glimt inspiration

The Well boss delivered a presentation highlighting the rise of Bodo/Glimt.

Askou even predicted Bodo/Glimt's remarkable Champions League win over Manchester City in January and hoped his players would be inspired and motivated by the modest Norwegian club's extraordinary success.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

That'll be the title dream over then.

If we are being honest, Motherwell were never truly in the race. The idea of the title-chasing Steelmen was a dream and a running joke that went too far.

However, it is difficult to shake off grievances with the refereeing from our defeat at Celtic Park.

Emmanuel Longelo should never have been sent off - it is a harsh penalty - and Celtic's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain ought to have been red-carded for his studs-up tackle on Elijah Just.

Jens Berthel Askou rightly called it out post match, saying Oxlade-Chamberlain could have ruined Just's World Cup chances with that challenge.

To go 1-0 up at Parkhead and leave with a 3-1 defeat is a sore one to stomach. However, it is our first back-to-back defeats since October.

The focus now must be on ensuring we hang on to fourth place, with Hibs lurking six points below. Hearts also dropping points proves it is not over until the fat lady sings.

Watch highlights from Celtic's 3-1 Scottish Premiership victory over Motherwell on Saturday.

Available to UK users only.

We asked you Motherwell fans for your opinions on the 3-1 loss to Celtic. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Mark: Scottish refs really know how to ruin matches. We played excellent once again but stupid decisions cost us. I have full trust in Jens Berthel Askou but Scottish VAR? No chance!

Allan: An 'Old Firm' penalty, but Well lost a bit of sharpness in their passing second half. Disappointing result but we're still a great watch. Hope we finish the season strongly.

Alan: A good effort and great start. Level of possession was good but a little lacking in the finishing department - Just's goal was excellent however. The determination to perform is still high so let's move on for next game and even greater heights than expected at the start of the season.

Stuart: The fact that Celtic managed to win a soft penalty and maintain 11 men on the park is a clear sign of substandard officiating. Daizen Maeda lifting his hands twice and then going on to get a penalty where he initiated contact says it all. Honking from John Beaton and the VAR team.

James: I hope this is not the start of a collapse. Still pleasing on the eye, and I wouldn't change it. Please start winning again, we deserve a good finish to the season.

Crawford: Parkhead was always going to be big ask, but we shot ourselves in the foot dithering in our own box. Beaton's ridiculous interpretation of the red card rule has effectively removed us from the League and the Cup. Some excellent build-up play with no end result, we badly need to give Tawanda Maswanhise an effective strike partner.

David: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain should have been sent off, if not for his challenge on Just, certainly for bringing down Said on edge of box. Maeda should also have been sent off for elbowing Ibrahim Said. Two hands on Maswanhise's back and clear push, no VAR review. Then Maeda instigates the tussle with Emmanuel Longelo and penalty given with red card, it's ridiculous beyond belief.

Susan: Two hugely important home games next and then a visit to Gorgie against a team who are on the ropes. Let's fight for European football.

Image source, SNS

Celtic came from behind to snatch a thrilling Scottish Premiership victory over 10-man Motherwell to keep the pressure on league leaders Hearts.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou tells BBC Scotland: "Of course it hurts. We hate losing, love winning and now we have got nothing out of the last two games even though we have put a lot in.

"The tempo was really high at times, some of the quality in the build-up was really good and our pressing was at times extremely good and it made them change their strategies.

"We got a goal from it and our bravery gave them some opportunities to punish us, which they were able to do.

"It could go both ways and I would have hoped it would not be that kind of moment or incident that tipped the game to one of the sides. I think it was a shame that [the penalty and red card] decided the game.

"It's a penalty, which is a big chance, and a red card which makes it difficult to get back into the game and get a result."

Image source, SNS

Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney returns, but Callum McGregor remains out with a calf strain and Kasper Schmeichel's availability remains unclear after a shoulder issue.

Auston Trusty completes a three-match league suspension, while Arne Engels (leg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand (both hamstring) are still out.

Motherwell are without on-loan Celtic defender Stephen Welsh and Regan Charles-Cook drops out with an injury, but Lukas Fadinger has shaken off a facial injury.

Johnny Koutroumbis (calf), Callum Hendry (groin) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) remain out.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Motherwell defender Stephen O'Donnell believes the squad is capable of a strong finish to the Premiership season but will be "disappointed" if they don't achieve a European place after an impressive campaign to date.

Jens Berthel Askou's side travel to face Celtic on Saturday in fourth place, five points behind Martin O'Neill's men who lie second, off the back of just their fourth league defeat of the campaign having succumbed 2-1 to Dundee last weekend.

Despite that, and now facing top-six teams in each of their final nine league fixtures, O'Donnell is adamant belief remains intact.

"It wouldn't have dented confidence, but it did hurt," the Scotland international conceded when reflecting on that loss.

"I think it had been a long time that we hadn't lost [in the league]. It's just so important that we do react.

"If we don't end with anything, finishing in Europe now, at this stage would be obviously disappointing, because we've done so well through the season.

"The three [teams] above aren't going to make it easy.

"It's all to play for. I think the remaining games we've got certainly a hard run-in, but we've played these teams before, and we'll compete.

"We are striving along with the manager for perfection, for wins every week and clean sheets. We want that, but it obviously isn't always possible and we'll do everything we can on Saturday to get something."

Motherwell defeated Celtic in their last meeting, a comprehensive 2-0 win over a side then led by Wilfried Nancy. They narrowly lost on their earlier visit to Celtic Park when Brendan Rodgers was in charge having led late in the game until playing out from the back handed their opponents an equaliser.

O'Donnell pinpoints that match as one that really helped galvanise squad belief in Askou's approach.

"The goalkeeping pass from Calum [Ward], it's as if, 'He's hopeless, he shouldn't be playing,'" O'Donnell explained.

"It's like a narrative that then gets spun from individuals.

"The gaffer's calm, 'I ask him to play like that.' That's the things that get you belief and get the players buying into you because you don't try and throw us under the bus when things don't go well.

"We're confident, we're not over-confident. I'm not any more confident in my ability as a footballer. I'm not any quicker, I'm not any better on the ball, but I've got a belief that the manager has given us and I think we're capable of delivering that.

"He believes we are all part of the club. He doesn't really look at individuals so much, it's about what we can bring for the team. That's part of why you buy into what he sells, because he believes in it, he's passionate about it, and he gives you the information to go and try and deliver it.

"We're delighted the wins have come and put us in the position we are."

Image source, SNS

Andy Halliday is predicting a "cracker" of a game when Motherwell visit Parkhead on Saturday and says Celtic's defensive display against Rangers last weekend was an "anomaly".

Celtic managed just one shot throughout the 120 minutes at Ibrox but still progressed to the Scottish Cup semi-final with a penalty shootout victory.

But Motherwell midfielder Halliday is braced for a much more attacking performance when the Steelmen head to the home of the reigning champions.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, he said: "I think last week was an anomaly. I've not really seen Celtic play that style, domestically, for as long as I can remember.

"You've got to give them credit for it because it resulted in them getting the job done, winning the penalty shootout and getting through to the next round.

"I'd imagine the injuries played their part. Callum McGregor is such a huge part of what Celtic do on the ball.

"There's still huge question marks, regardless of injuries, about what Martin O'Neill's best team could possibly be.

"I can't see that being the case at Celtic Park. I think they'll have a gameplan to try to dominate the way they can and impose their style of play on Motherwell.

"That being said, Motherwell will have the exact same approach so I think it's going to be a cracker for everyone to watch."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before the trip to face Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• The Danish boss expects a Celtic side more akin to the one he faced in the 3-2 away defeat when Brendan Rodgers was in charge, as opposed to the Wilfried Nancy team Motherwell defeated 2-0 at home.

• He adds: "Martin [O'Neill] and the rest of the staff have done well in terms of trying to get them back on track in a very hectic time. Some of the things they're doing are very similar to what they were used to when Brendan was there, with a few minor things adjusted."

• He revealed his excitement heading into this test as the climax to the season draws near: "I expect it to be a great game of football that I can't wait to be part of to experience from the sideline."

• The Premiership manager of the month believes his players' confidence has grown over the season, meaning he doesn't "have to show them any inspirational video of a team three years ago going to Celtic and beating them, that anything can happen in football." He adds: "They know that we're here to compete and we can win if we find our best level."

• Askou conceded the Premiership run-in will be Motherwell's toughest spell of the campaign facing top-six sides from now until the end of the season.

• He adds: "I think it's very likely that no team is going to go unbeaten. We've both lost and drawn and won against all the opponents we're going to face now. It is likely that that's going to happen as well."

• He wants Motherwell to be "up there fighting for the top positions" and says: "I really hope that the next nine games we play will be the strongest nine games, nine performances that we've had in the season."

• The Fir Park side are off the back of a rare league defeat having fallen 2-1 away to Dundee last weekend. Askou preferred to focus on the performance than the outcome: "We don't have to react. We're doing something that is constant. We have to deal with the emotions that come from a defeat but looking at the performance, it was similar to many of our other performances this season."

• Regan Charles-Cook suffered a small injury against Dundee and will be out for a few weeks. Matthew Connelly had a knock in training, prompting the return of Aston Oxborough from his Dunfermline loan but the hope is he can go back to the Pars after this weekend. Stephen Welsh cannot feature against his parent club.