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Craig Brown was finally given recognition for his services to Scottish Football after being named amongst the latest inductees to the Hampden Hall of Fame.

Brown, bettered only by former Motherwell boss Alex McLeish in terms of statistical records whilst with the national team, was inducted at a ceremony at the plush Hilton Hotel in Glasgow this evening.

And many would argue the award is not before time, particularly as he has his Motherwell side performing incredibly well both in the SPL and the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

Brown started his coaching career at Fir Park back in 1974 when he was the assistant to then boss Willie McLean.

He got his first managerial job as part-time manager of Clyde in 1977, where he spent ten seasons – winning the Second Division championship in 1982 – whilst also working as a primary school head teacher then a lecturer in primary education.

He returned to football full-time in 1986 when Scotland manager Andy Roxburgh appointed him as his assistant. Brown was also in charge of Scotland’s youth teams. In 1989, he coached Scotland’s Under-16s to the final of the FIFA U-16 World Championship and, three years later, coached the under-21s to the semi-finals of the 1992 UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship.

Brown was appointed manager of Scotland in December 1993, having been caretaker manager for the games against Italy and Malta. He took Scotland to Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup, but resigned in 2001 having failed to take Scotland to Euro 2000 and World Cup 2002.

Under Brown, Scotland beat England in the last ever Euro Championship qualifier at the old Wembley in 1999, as well as successes in Germany and Holland. He took charge of Scotland for 70 international matches, more than any other Scotland manager.

He then had a spell in club management when he was appointed as manager of Preston North End in 2002 but left by mutual consent on 29 August 2004. He later had a brief spell as football consultant at Derby County under former protégé Billy Davies, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in 2006-07 and latterly Fulham.

He arrived back at Fir Park in December 2009, some 35 years after first working at Motherwell, to fill the managerial post vacated by former boss Jim Gannon. He had enjoyed an incredible 11 months, guiding Motherwell to Europe and a within a whisker of the Europa League group stages, progressing to the last four of the Co-operative Insurance Cup and has a win percentage record in excess of 50%!

A truly deserved honour for one of the masters of the craft! Craig Brown, Scotland Hall of Fame Inductee 2010!

It’s time to vote for your favourite Clydesdale Bank Premier League goal of the month, with Sky Sports. 

Sky have selected their top ten goals from the month which are shown on their website for you to view and pick your favourite.

If your choice matches the goal selected by Sky Sports pundit Neil McCann you could win a new Apple iPod touch 8GB and a pair of tickets to a Clydesdale Bank Premier League match of your choice.  Just go to their website and click on the Goal of the Month link to see the goals, and have your say.

Closing date is 22nd November.

http://www.skysports.com/football/scottishpremier/

Terms and conditions apply.

‘Well boss Craig Brown felt his side should’ve taken something from this afternoon’s match after a Derek Riordan double gave Hibs all three points.

Motherwell had earlier taken the lead courtesy of a Nick Blackman penalty before a Riordan brace put the home side in poll position.

Despite having plenty of the ball and bombarding the Hibs penalty area in the second half, ‘Well couldn’t get that leveller that their play perhaps deserved.

Brown said, “I am biased but I felt the better team didn’t win; it was uncharacteristic of us to lose a second goal. I think we had much more of the game than Hibs.

“One of our players made an uncharacteristic error; I don’t think he has made a mistake all season. It was a basic one to clear but you can’t fault a guy who has been a stalwart for you.

“The first was also a soft goal too, it was well placed but not where he meant to hit it, but they got the goals and that got their tails up.

“Our lads showed great determination and great application to dominate the second half as they did.”

Brown resisted the temptation to have a go at the officials after Steven Saunders’ goal was wrongly ruled offside.

It’s not the first time the Steelmen have been victims of some questionable decisions in recent weeks, but Brown remains steadfast in his lack of criticism saying, “I don’t want to say anything about that but you will all see it and you can judge for yourself.

“It was a crucial call though, in sport if you lost a lead at home it can change things, if it had gone to 2-2 they would not have been so comfortable. If we had got that goal I think we could have gone on and won the game.

“I don’t want to take anything away from Hibs, they won the game and I am not complaining about the second half from our lads. Once we recovered from a sloppy start, I thought we totally dominated the game.”

After a hectic schedule, Motherwell having now played 21 competitive games, more than any club in Scotland, there is a sense of normality as things move to a more traditional Saturday to Saturday schedule.

Brown admits things have taken their toll on his threadbare square but is convinced the extended time between games will help his side in the months to come.

“We have played more competitive games than anyone else in Scotland, and we have the smallest and youngest squad in the League,” said the former Scotland boss.

“We have played one more game than Rangers; we have had six European games, two in the League Cup and 13 League games. We have used only 18 players; three of them have only played half a game, so the guys must be feeling a bit leg weary at this point.

“We will give them a couple of days off and when we go week to week now, I think you will see a difference. The players have put in a great shift to get where we are at the moment, and I don’t think we deserved to lose all the points today.”

Pictures from the 2-1 defeat to Hibernian in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Easter Road. These action shots and more are available to buy online at www.motherwellpics.com.

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[tab:Match report]

Despite taking a first-half lead, Motherwell crashed to a 2-1 defeat at Easter Road this afternoon.

Nick Blackman put the Steelmen ahead, converting a tenth minute penalty to claim his ninth goal of the season.

However, a quick-fire double by Derek Riordan gave the home side all three points, despite a spirited second half showing from the Steelmen.

Craig Brown made two changes from the side that thumped St Johnstone 4-0 on Wednesday night. Steven Saunders and Alan Gow both returned to the side in place of Marc Fitzpatrick and John Sutton, both having to be content with a place amongst the substitutes.

Both teams started with efforts off target, Derek Riordan slicing an effort that caused the corner flag more problems than Darren Randolph. Down the other end, a header from Alan Gow failed to trouble Mark Brown in the home goal at all, as it trickled a few yards wide of goal.

But it was the Steelmen who took the lead and referee Dougie McDonald, fresh from his SFA investigation, was once again at the centre of it. A Chris Humphrey cross from the right wasn’t properly cleared and landed at the feet of Murphy on the left flank.

The 21-year-old burst past Michael Hart only to be pulled down. McDonald showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Nick Blackman dispatched the resulting kick high into the top corner for his ninth of the season.

Hibernian, to their credit, hit back straight away. A long hopeful ball towards the edge of the box wasn’t properly dealt with and Riordan swept it low past Randolph for the equaliser.

That goal settled the home side and they almost took the lead a few minutes later but were denied by the quick reactions of Randolph. A lovely ball from the left by Miller was flicked towards goal by de Graaf, but the ‘Well keeper was well placed to make the block. The Dutchman picked up the rebound and teed it up nicely for Riordan but the striker ballooned his effort high over the bar.

However, the former Celtic man wouldn’t be denied as he added his and Hibs’ second shortly after.

The Steelmen were struggling to cope with the frequent direct ball and yet another long ball was flicked on by Trakys allowing Derek Riordan to nip in ahead of Craigan. The striker showed great composure to roll it under Randolph and into the net with the game not even half an hour old.

Incredibly, less than two minutes later, Motherwell should’ve been level. Chris Humphrey was the creator, roasting the full-back and hanging a lovely ball up towards the back post where Alan Gow was lurking. It looked like a simple header for the former Hibs man turned it back across face and the chance was gone.

Motherwell continued to come forward with the home side looking slightly nervy at the back. Chances for Gow, Humphrey and Blackman all came and went though as the hosts held firm.

Hibs replaced de Graaf at half-time, the midfielder having taken a few knocks in the first forty-five but it didn’t upset their rhythm as they started the second half on the front foot; a cross-cum-shot from Miller almost deceived Randolph but the former Charlton man spectacularly turned it away keep it at 2-1.

The big keeper then watched on as Riordan fired a free-kick from the edge of the area over the bar.

Motherwell replied with a well-worked short corner between Hateley and Humphrey, the latter firing across goal only for Mark Brown to make the smart save.

‘Well had the ball in the net on the 70th minute mark when Steven Saunders poked under Brown following a neat Jennings reverse ball. However, the home side were rescued by the assistants’ flag. It looked very tight indeed and television evidence seemed to show the former Queens Park man was level at worst.

The Steelmen spent the next twenty minutes, punctured by in a series of injuries and stoppages, attacking the Hibs goal relentlessly but failing to create too much in the way of clear cut chances. Jamie Murphy’s low shot was all that the ‘Well side could muster but that presented Brown with little problems.

Indeed, for all Motherwell’s possession, it was the home side that came within an inch of extending their lead. Derek Riordan’s excellent turn and shot from the edge of the area brought out an excellent stop from Darren Randolph.

A minute later, Grounds curled a shot just wide as the Steelmen were getting picked off whilst attacking.

But, for all the battling and balls into the box, Motherwell couldn’t grab the equaliser as Hibs hung on for their second win in three days

[tab:As it happened]

90+6 The referee blows his whistle to end the game.

90+5 BOOKING Caution for Mark Reynolds.

90+5 BOOKING The referee cautions Valdas Trakys for unsporting behaviour.

90+5 Valdas Trakys gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Mark Reynolds. Stevie Hammell restarts play with the free kick.

90+4 BOOKING Stephen Craigan goes into the referee’s book.

90+4 BOOKING Ian Murray booked.

90+2 SUB Alan Gow leaves the field to be replaced by Robert McHugh.

90+2 SUB Jamie Murphy leaves the field to be replaced by Esteban Casagolda.

90+2 SUB John Sutton joins the action as a substitute, replacing Nick Blackman.

90′ Chris Humphrey concedes a free kick for a foul on Lewis Stevenson. Jonathan Grounds takes the free kick.

88′ Effort from the edge of the box by Jonathan Grounds goes wide of the right-hand upright.

88′ Inswinging corner taken by Derek Riordan from the left by-line played to the near post, Steven Saunders manages to make a clearance.

87′ Nick Blackman challenges Steven Thicot unfairly and gives away a free kick. Derek Riordan has a direct shot on goal from the free kick, save made by Darren Randolph.

85′ Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Save made by Mark Brown.

85′ The official flags Derek Riordan offside. Mark Reynolds takes the free kick.

84′ Alan Gow challenges Michael Hart unfairly and gives away a free kick. Michael Hart delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right wing, Steven Saunders makes a save.

80′ Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Chris Humphrey.

80′ Stevie Hammell crosses the ball, clearance made by Souleymane Bamba.

79′ Lewis Stevenson takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

78′ Tom Hateley sends in a cross, clearance made by Paul Hanlon.

76′ The assistant referee signals for offside against Derek Riordan. Free kick taken by Stephen Craigan.

76′ SUB (Hibernian) makes a substitution, with Steven Thicot coming on for Liam Miller.

76′ BOOKING Caution for Chris Humphrey.

76′ BOOKING for Steve Jennings for unsporting behaviour.

73′ Free kick awarded for a foul by Ian Murray on Nick Blackman. Free kick crossed right-footed by Tom Hateley from left channel, clearance by Souleymane Bamba.

73′ BOOKING Liam Miller shown a yellow card.

72′ The ball is sent over by Stevie Hammell, Paul Hanlon makes a clearance.

72′ Valdas Trakys concedes a free kick for a foul on Steve Jennings. Steve Jennings takes the free kick.

70′ Steve Saunders is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Jonathan Grounds takes the indirect free kick.

69′ Outswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line.

68′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Alan Gow by Ian Murray. Stephen Craigan takes the free kick.

67′ Chris Humphrey is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Free kick taken by Mark Brown.

65′ SUB Paul Hanlon replaces Francis Dickoh.

60′ Inswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey from the right by-line, save made by Mark Brown.

58′ Chris Humphrey sends in a cross, clearance made by Souleymane Bamba.

55′ Jonathan Grounds crosses the ball, clearance by Stevie Hammell. Unfair challenge on John Rankin by Stevie Hammell results in a free kick. Strike comes in from Derek Riordan from the free kick.

55′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Ian Murray by Tom Hateley. Mark Brown takes the direct free kick.

54′ The assistant referee signals for offside against Derek Riordan. Indirect free kick taken by Darren Randolph.

53′ Steven Saunders takes a shot from deep inside the box clearing the bar.

52′ Foul by Lewis Stevenson on Steven Saunders, free kick awarded. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Tom Hateley from right wing.

50′ Corner taken by Ian Murray from the right by-line, clearance made by Steven Saunders.

48′ Centre by Chris Humphrey, clearance made by Francis Dickoh.

47′ Valdas Trakys takes a shot from just inside the penalty box which clears the bar.

46′ Steve Jennings gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Valdas Trakys. Derek Riordan has an effort direct from the free kick, clearance by Mark Reynolds.

45′ Inswinging corner taken right-footed by John Rankin from the right by-line, save made by Darren Randolph.

45′ SUB (Hibernian) makes a substitution, with Lewis Stevenson coming on for Edwin De Graaf.

45′ The game restarts for the second half.

45+2 HALF TIME The first half comes to an end.

45+1 The ball is delivered by Alan Gow, free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Mark Brown by Nick Blackman. Direct free kick taken by Mark Brown.

45′ Steven Saunders concedes a free kick for a foul on Valdas Trakys. Direct free kick taken by Jonathan Grounds.

44′ Foul by Mark Reynolds on Valdas Trakys, free kick awarded. The free kick is delivered left-footed by John Rankin from right wing, save by Darren Randolph.

42′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Souleymane Bamba by Tom Hateley. Jonathan Grounds takes the direct free kick.

41′ Steve Jennings is penalised for a handball. Free kick taken by Derek Riordan.

40′ The ball is delivered by Liam Miller, Mark Reynolds manages to make a clearance.

39′ Liam Miller fouled by Steve Jennings, the ref awards a free kick. Free kick taken by Souleymane Bamba.

36′ Chris Humphrey takes a shot. Blocked by Edwin De Graaf.

36′ Jamie Murphy produces a right-footed shot from inside the area that goes over the bar.

34′ The ball is delivered by Jamie Murphy, Mark Brown makes a save.

33′ Outswinging corner taken by Chris Humphrey, clearance by Souleymane Bamba.

32′ Chris Humphrey decides to take a short corner, Edwin De Graaf makes a clearance.

31′ John Rankin challenges Steven Saunders unfairly and gives away a free kick. Free kick taken by Steven Saunders.

31′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Tom Hateley by Ian Murray. Stephen Craigan takes the direct free kick.

29′ Jamie Murphy takes a shot. Clearance by Mark Brown.

26′ GOAL – Derek Riordan: Hibernian 2 – 1 Motherwell A goal is scored by Derek Riordan from inside the penalty box to the bottom left corner of the goal. Hibernian 2-1 Motherwell.

25′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Edwin De Graaf by Stevie Hammell. The free kick is delivered left-footed by John Rankin from right channel, clearance made by Stephen Craigan.

23′ Foul by John Rankin on Stephen Craigan, free kick awarded. Tom Hateley takes the free kick.

22′ Michael Hart produces a cross, Darren Randolph makes a clearance.

20′ Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steve Jennings by Liam Miller. Steve Jennings takes the free kick.

20′ Unfair challenge on Souleymane Bamba by Alan Gow results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Souleymane Bamba.

19′ Shot from inside the area by Derek Riordan clears the bar.

19′ Jonathan Grounds produces a cross, Edwin De Graaf takes a shot. Darren Randolph makes a save.

18′ The referee blows for offside against Derek Riordan. Stephen Craigan takes the free kick.

17′ Ian Murray gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Nick Blackman. Stephen Craigan restarts play with the free kick.

15′ The referee blows for offside. Darren Randolph takes the free kick.

14′ The referee blows for offside. Mark Brown takes the indirect free kick.

13′ GOAL – Derek Riordan: Hibernian 1 – 1 Motherwell A goal is scored by Derek Riordan from inside the area to the bottom left corner of the goal. Hibernian 1-1 Motherwell.

10′ Corner from the right by-line taken by Valdas Trakys, Derek Riordan takes a shot. Save by Darren Randolph.

9′ GOAL – Nick Blackman: Hibernian 0 – 1 Motherwell Penalty taken left-footed by Nick Blackman and scored. Hibernian 0-1 Motherwell.

8′ Foul by Michael Hart on Steve Jennings, Penalty awarded.

8′ Chris Humphrey delivers the ball.

2′ Derek Riordan has an effort at goal from the edge of the area that misses to the right of the target.

0′ The referee gets the game underway.

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Craig Brown:

“We conceded two soft goals, the second one in particular. For the rest of the match, I am quite convinced we were the better side and deserved to get three points.

“I thought we were totally dominant in the second half, but we should have managed more goal attempts. That’s where we fault ourselves.

“We didn’t convert our chances and we had a bit of poor luck as well. We got one in the back of the net, but it was disallowed.

“I think Dougie McDonald is an honest referee and his colleagues are too, so you have got to accept the decisions.

“There were things that I thought might have been wrong, but I’m not going to complain.”

Hibernian manager Colin Calderwood:

“In some ways the way it happened was rewarding. To come back from a goal behind and be the team not in the ascendancy, and hang on and show spirit, endeavour and a willingness to work for each other.

“Those are the attributes the fans will be impressed by. Add to that some spells of quite good football in the first half.

“He’s (Riordan) a goal threat as always. He was very unlucky not to get his hat-trick.

“He has produced our one moment in the second half. That would have sealed the game and made it less anxious in the last few minutes.”

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

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Craig Brown will be hoping his own wisdom doesn’t come back to bite him this weekend as he faces up to an ex-player he helped on the road to management.

Recently appointed Hibs boss Colin Calderwood was a Scotland regular under Brown and a vital part of a famously strong Scot’s backline of the time, and the experienced manager even imparted some of his expertise to Calderwood when he was just starting out, whilst Craig was with Preston. 

“I picked him when he was with Swindon and then with Tottenham, and my back-three of Boyd, Hendry and Calderwood was immaculate.

“Colin was always an extremely conscientious, hard-working player; and outstanding character and the kind of player that every manager loves to work with. Those are the type of players he will want with Hibs.

“When he started out at Northampton we had a long conversation, and I was presumptuous enough to give him a few tips. I told him to be his own man and be as conscientious as he always was as a player and he would be successful – and he has been.”

Sticking with the Scotland connections, it was inevitable that the former national team boss would be asked about Craig Levein’s latest squad, for the friendly against the Faroe Islands at Pittodrie.

As one of the most successful Scotland bosses of all-time people tend to listen when Craig Brown talks Scotland, even more so this time round considering Jamie Murphy, Chris Humphrey and Mark Reynolds have been impressing immensely this campaign. 

“You always want to see your players picked, but I would never, ever dream of telling Craig Levein how to pick his squad. I didn’t like it when I was in that job, so I certainly will not do it.” the man who took Scotland to Euro 96’ and the World Cup in 1998 insisted.

“Plus, I have not seen the other players picked in close quarters. He has been able to go and watch Danny Wilson and Kevin Kyle, for example, and I have not – so how can I possibly comment on those players?

“As always, I fully support Craig Levein, and fully support the Scotland squad.”

Perhaps the most unlucky to miss out was Mark Reynolds, who has been a rock at the heart of one of the most dependable defences in the SPL alongside Stephen Craigan, but his gaffer backed the 23-year old to bounce back from the disappointment.

“It was never suggested that Craig Levein would select Mark Reynolds, and I would hope that Mark is philosophical enough to get on with his own game,” Brown said. “Mark Reynolds is very intelligent and knows that he has the rest of the season to prove he is capable of playing at international level.

“We were given early indication that Barry Bannan and Danny Wilson would get a call-up, but not Mark Reynolds. It would be different if it had been suggested that he would get called up; then the player may be upset.”

Another player who has been at the heart of an excellent campaign for ‘Well thus far is Keith Lasley. The midfield stalwart has missed the last four matches for the Steelmen and Brown and co. are working hard to get him ready for the visit to Leith.

“Keith Lasley has got a chance of being fit and that would be terrific because we miss Keith.” Brown confirmed, of the 30-year old. “I don’t stick to the old adage of ‘don’t change a winning team’ – and I won’t hesitate to change it if I think it is the right thing to do.

“Guys who didn’t play during the week for whatever reason have got a chance of playing against Hibs on Saturday.”

Motherwell’s Under 19s game with Dundee Utd at Bathgate today has been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Sustained rainfall over the last 48 hours have made the pitch at the Creamery Park unsafe.

No date has, as yet, been set for the re-arranged fixture.

Craig Levein has told ‘Well star Chris Humphrey he is in contention for a Scotland place despite missing out on the latest squad.

Jamaican-born Humphrey qualifies for England and also Scotland, through his Kilmarnock-born mother, and Levein revealed he was among a number of players who just missed out on his 20-man pool for Tuesday’s Pittodrie friendly.

The pacy wide man has made huge strides this season after winning a regular place in the Motherwell team.

The former Shrewsbury player, 21, showed his increasing maturity and accuracy in wide areas when he laid the ball back for Nick Blackman to score the second goal of his hat-trick in Motherwell’s 4-0 win over St Johnstone last night.

“A number of players just missed out and Chris was one of them,” Levein said. “He is somebody I have been watching quite closely. Someone watched him again the other night.

“He is somebody who I’ve got my eye on. He is also someone we would need to establish eligibility for first and foremost.

“But if he continues to play the way he is playing just now, then he might be someone who is considered for the game against Northern Ireland in February.”

Speaking exclusively with motherwellfc.co.uk, Humphrey himself was remaining philosophical but reiterated his interest in playing for the Scottish National side.

“It was really pleasing to hear Craig Levein’s comments and I will take them on board and continue to work hard for Motherwell,” he said.

“I have to say though that the opportunity to play for Scotland is one that excites and one that I would welcome.

“But, in the meantime, my focus is solely on doing well for the club and continuing to improve as a player.”

This weekend, players of every team in the Scottish Premier League will wear a poppy, the world-recognised symbol of remembrance, to show their support for the 2010 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

The Appeal raises money for veterans and their dependants in Scotland and SPL clubs will be supporting the Appeal in a number of ways, such as holding poppy collections at their grounds or selling limited edition poppy shirts in a bid to raise awareness of the 2010 Scottish Poppy Appeal.

Poppyscotland Chief Executive Ian McGregor said: “The initiative has generated a huge amount of exposure for the Scottish Poppy Appeal and we are extremely grateful to the SPL and the clubs for their support once again.”

Neil Doncaster, Chief Executive of the SPL, said: “We are delighted to support the 2010 Scottish Poppy Appeal. Our clubs will be wearing the poppy for the third year in a row to pay tribute to and recognise the sacrifices of those who have served our country.”

Today Nick Blackman wakes up a year older – just hours after eminently enhancing his growing reputation with a first senior hat-trick in a 4-0 win over St. Johnstone.

Blackman, 21 today, has now scored eight goals since making the move from Blackburn Rovers on a six-month loan, and becomes the first ‘Well player to hit a hat-trick since Chris Porter in 2008.

“It’s my birthday on Thursday so it’s a pretty good birthday present!” He smiled “To get any hat-trick is great and I’m delighted to get three goals.”

“It’s my first senior hat-trick, so that makes it pretty special.

It doesn’t look the smile will be wiped off the birthday-boy’s face any time soon, and he is clearly loving his football north of the border.

“The chance to come to Motherwell and get a consistent run of games has been great,” the exciting young Englishman admitted.

“The manager is telling me to go out and enjoy my football; to play with a smile on my face and play for fun. If I do that then I generally play my best football, so I’m glad it’s paying off at the moment.

“I’ve to concentrate on getting into the box, and when you have players like Jamie Murphy and Chris Humphrey in the side you know you’ll get a chance.”

Blackman may be one year older, but the audacity of youth is certainly still in full affect when he talks about his aims for the season. Motherwell have now won two on the bounce, and remain in third spot ahead of Hearts. Brown’s men are shaping up as credible contenders for the best-of-the-rest crown.

Yet the hat-trick hero has his eyes locked a little higher. ‘Well are only eight points behind Celtic – a gap which can be narrowed according to the striker: “We can get even closer to Rangers and Celtic.”

“There is a lot more to come from us; we have won the last two games, but we can play better. We will try to keep beating the teams around us then get special performances against Rangers and Celtic and see what happens.”

That gap closing could be very much dependent on whether Blackman stays beyond his loan expiry date in January, with Blackburn presumably aware of his excellent strike-rate with ‘Well.

With nothing decided yet, Blackman is simply focused on playing games and scoring goals: “I just want to play football.”

“If I go back to Blackburn and am involved, then fine; but if not then I’d rather keep on getting regular football – which I do at Motherwell.

“But I’ve not spoken to anyone from Blackburn about my situation, so I’ll just keep on playing well and I’m sure things will take care of themselves.”