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U20s manager Stephen Craigan knows tomorrow nights  Irn-Bru cup clash will be a big ask for his players.

But the Northern Irish coach is confident that his young players will be excited for the occasion.

Speaking to MFC TV, Craigan said: “It’s going to be a big ask with Airdrie being in League One and going full-time this year – they’ve got lots of good players and a good manager.

“I’ve managed to watch them on two occasions and I’ve been impressed with what Kevin McBride’s trying to do and how they’re trying to play and the intensity in their play and the freedom they’re trying to play with.”

[pullquote]It’s going to be a big ask with Airdrie being in League One and going full-time this year.[/pullquote]

He added: “There’s no doubt Edinburgh City was a big test for us but this will be a bigger test again.”

Craigan admits that he is mostly looking for his young players to stick to the game-plan and put in a good performance.

He said: “I just hope that we can go in to it and make an impression on the game – I hope we can play without fear and play free and put in that structure that we’ve spoke about on the lead up to tomorrow night.

“If we’re competitive in the game first and foremost, I’ll be pleased.”

[pullquote]They’re looking forward to it. After we beat Edinburgh City there was a sense of anticipation as to who we’d get in the draw.[/pullquote]

And the manager admits that they are all excited to get out onto the pitch at Fir Park tomorrow night.

He said: “They’re looking forward to it. After we beat Edinburgh City there was a sense of anticipation as to who we’d get in the draw.

“The boys will all have their own reasons to be up for it, for example Dylan Mackin was out at Airdrie on loan.”

He added: “But ultimately it’s exciting for them; they want to play competitive football. We talk about games like the Youth Cup final and against Edinburgh City, and these games are to see how the boys cope with the occasion.”

The game will take place on Tuesday 16th and Motherwell fans will be housed in the Phil O’Donnell stand, with visiting fans in the South Stand.

The Centenary Suite bar will be open from 6pm for home fans to enjoy a pre-match drink.

Motherwell FC can today confirm defender Louis Laing has completed a five-month loan spell to English League Two side Notts County.

Injuries disrupted the player from tying down a spot in Mark McGhee’s starting eleven, but the 23-year-old has secured a move on loan back to Meadow Lane.

The Englishman spent a short spell at the club back in 2014 on loan from Nottingham Forest, and the ex-Sunderland man will hope to make a number of appearances over the next six-months.

[pullquote]We hope a loan to Notts County will help him get regular games and get him sharp. It’s a club he knows well and the perfect place for him to rediscover his top form.[/pullquote]

Laing, who joined Motherwell last season, has made twenty-nine appearances in Claret and Amber, scoring twice.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee said: “Louis has struggled to get a run of consecutive games since I’ve been at the club, mainly because of niggly injuries.

“We hope a loan to Notts County will help him get regular games and get him sharp. It’s a club he knows well and the perfect place for him to rediscover his top form.”

Motherwell U20s are back in action this Tuesday evening when they take on local rivals Airdrie in the IRN-BRU Cup.

Stephen Craigan’s men won the right to face the Diamonds after edging out Edinburgh City FC 2-1 in the previous round.

Airdrie, managed by former Steelmen midfielder Kevin McBride, have had a mixed bag start to the new campaign.

They lost in the Betfred Cup to Partick Thistle and Queen of the South, but beat Stenhousemuir and drew 3-3 with Queens Park.

They then opened their league season with a 1-3 away win at Hampden against the Spiders, but came up short this weekend, losing 2-4 at home to Livingston.

The match will take place at Fir Park, kick-off is 7.45pm. Admission is on the gate, Motherwell fans in the Phil O’Donnell Stand and visiting fans in the South Stand, priced at £5 for adults and £2 for concessions and juveniles.

The Centenary Suite bar, located in the Phil O’Donnell stand, will be open to home fans from 6pm for pre-match drinks.

Highlights from Fir Park as St Johnstone come from behind to win 1-2 in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

Action images from today’s 1-2 loss to St Johnstone at Fir Park.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

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‘Well boss Mark McGhee was disappointed with his sides performance after losing 2-1 at home to St Johnstone in the Ladbrokes Premiership.

And the manager admitted that a lot of his players looked a bit tired after playing three games in the space of eight days.

Speaking to MFC TV after the match, McGhee said: “It was a very disappointing performance. It lacked energy, it lacked a lot of things today.

“Obviously we’ll try and work out why that was but we’ve had three games in the last eight days so perhaps Wednesday night took more out of us than we realised – both physically and mentally.”

[pullquote] It was a very disappointing performance. It lacked energy, it lacked a lot of things today.[/pullquote]

He added: “Some of our attacking players who are capable of winning you matches didn’t quite have that edge today.

“Obviously the second goal was disappointing but Sammy has been outstanding recently and he’s made just the one mistake, on the whole though we were poor as a group.”

Chris Cadden gave the ‘Well a 1-0 lead in the second half and stretched his good form in front of goal.

And McGhee touched on the midfielder’s strong start to the new season.

He said: “His goal was a positive today, and he’s starting to learn that there’s goals to be had getting in to those positions.

[pullquote]His goal was a positive today, and he’s starting to learn that there’s goals to be had getting in to those positions.[/pullquote]

“He struggled today though, he was one who looked to me like a bit of an empty shell – he maybe suffered more than most from Wednesday’s game.”

He added: “He’s a great young lad and great young player and we have a week now where we can pick him up and dust him down.”

Ahead of the Rangers clash next weekend, the manager believes his side can improve on the past week.

“We’ve got to do an awful lot better than today, first and foremost we have to recover.

“We have to go there and be able to out-run them, let alone out-play them, and once we do that then we can start thinking about how we can out-play them.”

[tab:Match report]

Motherwell hoped to bounce back after being on the receiving end at Celtic Park, but the effects of their midweek tie were evident as they struggled to match a lively St Johnstone.

Although the visitor’s had the bulk of the play especially in the first half, ‘Well sneaked the lead two minutes after the break through Chris Cadden. But Saints quickly equalised through Danny Swanson before Steven MacLean latched onto a lapse by Craig Samson to seal the win for the Perth side.

‘Well did create chances, and Allan Mannus had to pull off a couple of impressive saves, but it was a frustrating day at Fir Park.

Mark McGhee made one change from midweek, with Joe Chalmers taking the left back berth for the injured Stevie Hammell, Lionel Ainsworth, the match winner at Rugby Park, returned to the line-up starting through the middle supporting Scott McDonald.

Saints, after their midweek win over Hearts in the Betfred Cup were confident and the Perth men created the early chances.

Samson was not tested until the 22nd minute when he palmed Chris Millar’s drive from the edge of the box over the bar.

Although Motherwell looked leg weary they came closest to scoring just after the half hour mark. Craig Clay sent Marvin Johnson to the goal line and his ball across the face of goal found Lionel Ainsworth stretching at the back post to turn the ball into the side netting.

Just before half-time ‘Well had another chance when Richard Tait’s cross picked out Ainsworth in a packed box but his half volley was blocked by Brad McKay.

Two minutes after the break ‘Well nicked the lead. Richard Tait burst into the box and his great ball across goal took a deflection off Brad McKay. As the ball rolled free Chris Cadden raced in to slam the ball over the line for the teenager’s third goal of the season.

As Saints looked shattered ‘Well chased a second and within minutes Johnson tried his luck from 30 yards but he steered his drive wide of goal.

McDonald almost made it 2-0 but after Lionel Ainsworth’s shot was blocked, the Fir Park striker steered the loose ball narrowly past.

The Steelmen paid for that miss two minutes later when Saints equalised.

Danny Swanson cut into the box from the right before driving a left foot shot under Samson to make it 1-1.

The “Well ‘keeper then advanced from his line as Kane raced through unchallenged but he forced the Saints’ striker to squeeze the ball beyond his right hand post.

Chris Cadden then tried his luck for a second goal and watched as his well struck drive from 30 yards firm drive palmed over the bar by Mannus.

That was last action for the teenage midfielder as striker Jacob Blyth came on for 27 minutes to impress.

However it was Johnson who came closest to grabbing a winner for the home side, curling a right foot which was heading for the top corner until Mannus stretched high to his left to turn the ball over his bar.

Unfortunately, the winner came at the other end 16 minutes from time and it was a bit of a disaster for Craig Samson who produced so many outstanding saves at Parkhead in midweek.

Chris Kane’s 25 yard drive was well struck but it should have been comfortable for Samson. However, the ‘Well ‘keeper elected to palm the shot down allowing McLean to stoop and nod the bouncing ball over the line for a late and deserved winner for Saints.

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

FT: Motherwell 1 – 2 St Johnstone #MFCvSJFC

90′ | 1-1
Three minutes added on here at Fir Park.

89′ | 1-1
Dom Thomas fires a half-volley narrowly over the bar after Marvin Johnson’s deep cross fell to the midfielder.

87′ | 1-1
Sub – St Johnstone make their last change of the afternoon – Craig replaces Swanson.

81′ | 1-1
McDonald picks up a booking for a deliberate hand-ball. The forward turned the ball into the back of the net from Johnson’s cross

75′ | 1-1
Sub – Dom Thomas replaces Lionel Ainsworth with 15 minutes to go.

74′ | 1-2

Goal – Steven MacLean follows in to head in from 4 yards after Samson’s save came back out.

73′ | 1-1
Craig Clay picks up a booking for a late trip.

71′ | 1-1
Double sub: Paton replaces Millar, Wotherspoon replaces Alston for St Johnstone.

70′ | 1-1

Jacob Blyth flicks the ball on to Scott McDonald who cuts in and curls a beautiful strike on goal but Mannus tips over. So close!

bSub: Chris Cadden comes off for summer signing Jacob Blyth.

60′ | 1-1
Cadden forces a brilliant save from Mannus! The youngster strikes on target from 25-yards and the Saints keeper tips it over.

58′ | 1-1
Kane is slipped through on goal by Swanson and with just Samson to beat, drags his right-footed shot wide from ten yards.

55′ | 1-1
Goal – Swanson draws the visitors level after cutting in from the right onto his left foot to fire past Samson from close range.

53′ | 1-0
So close! A brilliant early ball from Tait is controlled by Ainsworth, the ball then falls to McDonald who strikes just wide.

50′ | 1-0
Marvin Johnson strikes wide from 25-yards. The Fir Parkers are playing with confidence here.

49′ | 1-0
Danny Swanson picks up a yellow for another late foul from the visitors.

48′ | 1-0
Tait crosses the ball across the face of goal where CADDEN is lurking to fire home!! 1-0 to the Steelmen!!

48′ | 1-0
Tait crosses the ball across the face of goal where CADDEN is lurking to fire home!! 1-0 to the Steelemen!!

GGOOOAAALLLL!!!

47′ | 0-0

Murray Davidson is given a stern warning from referee Euan Anderson after a late swipe on Chris Cadden.

46′ | 0-0

We’re back underway at Fir Park.

An even first 45 produces no goals so far…

HT: Motherwell 0 – 0 St Johnstone #MFCvSJFC

43′ | 0-0

Tait attempts another cross but it is blocked and goes out for a corner.

41′ | 0-0

Second booking of the afternoon, it’s St Johnstone’s Chris Kane for a wild tackle on Marvin Johnson.

40′ | 0-0

Tait involved immediately again as he puts in a brilliant cross to the feet of Ainsworth, whose strike from 8 yards is blocked

38′ | 0-0
Tait goes into the book for what looks to have been a shirt pull on Swanson.

35′ | 0-0

McManus finds himself on the ball near the opposing by-line, but his attempted cross is gathered by Mannus.

31′ | 0-0

Best chance of the game so far! Johnson beats his man and sends in a brilliant low cross, but McDonald hits wide on the stretch

30′ | 0-0

Marvin Johnson collects the ball out on the right and dribbles inside onto his left foot, but his strike deflects wide.

26′ | 0-0
The Steelmen win a corner now, but similarly to St Johnstone’s it is over-hit and cleared.

bThe following corner is wasteful, and Motherwell see it away.

24′ | 0-0

At the other end, Chris Millar forces a decent save from Samson, who pushes it over for a corner.

23′ | 0-0
Johnson sends in a vicious, low cross, but it is well held by Mannus in the Saints goal.

19′ | 0-0

MacLean is afforded too much time on the edge of the Motherwell box and he strikes low and hard towards goal, but it skips wide.

17′ | 0-0
Heneghan’s clearance crashes off McManus and flashes just past Samson’s post. Still not much in the way of chances so far though.

12′ | 0-0

Kane breaks through on goal but his soft effort is easily brought away from crossing the line by Heneghan.

11′ | 0-0
St Johnstone send in a cross after winning the throw-in, but Kane heads over.

10′ | 0-0
Both sides sharing short spells of possession but little in the way of chances so far.

5′ | 0-0
St Johnstone win a corner but head over, Motherwell break quickly but fail to test Mannus.

5′ | 0-0
St Johnstone win a corner but head over, motherwell break but fail to test Mannus.

Lasley gets the game underway. COYW!!!

St Johnstone subs: Clark, Wotherspoon, Paton, Gordon, Craig, Cummins, Comrie #MFCvSJFC

St Johnstone: Mannus, Alston, Anderson, Millar, Davidson, MacLean, Swanson, Shaughnessy, McKay, Easton, Kane #MFCvSJFC

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”281″]

Ever wanted to get closer to your Claret and Amber heores? Well now you can with the launch of the new ‘Signing Zone’.

With the Ladbrokes Premiership home campaign kicking off at Fir Park against St Johnstone, why not arrive a little earlier and meet last season’s top goal scorer Louis Moult & legendary left-back Stevie Hammell as both players will be in The Well Shop’s ‘Signing Zone’ from 12.30pm until 1pm, to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for a selfie or two.

Each week, two different players will take their seats as the season progresses as part of the developing fan engagement programme here at Fir Park.

Share your pics on twitter @motherwellfc using #MFCSigningZone or facebook.com/motherwellfc

The club shop is situated at the Cooper stand and open from 9.30am.

Summer signing Craig Clay admits that games like Wednesday night are part of the appeal of Scottish football – but the result was hard to take.

The midfielder started against Celtic at Parkhead in the Betfred cup on the day he signed for the Steelmen.

And while it wasn’t the best way to mark his big day, the Englishman admitted that playing in the top flight of Scottish football was an appeal to him.

Speaking about the match, the 24-year-old said: “In a way it was a good way to start because you want to play against clubs like that on pitches like that and against players like that, so on that side of things it was a good start but obviously the result wasn’t.”

[pullquote]I’m just delighted to have finally got it sorted and I can settle down now and give my football 100%.[/pullquote]

He added: “The level up here in Scotland is extremely high and Celtic are by far and away the best team I’ve ever played against.”

And Clay is feeling upbeat for the season ahead after securing a deal with the club.

He said: “Being here for a few weeks on trial was always going to be difficult in a sense because my future’s on the line – but I’m just delighted to have finally got it sorted and I can settle down now and give my football 100%.”

Mark McGhee’s men host St Johnstone in the first Ladbrokes Premiership home match of the 2016/17 season.

And following a 2-1 win away to Kilmarnock last weekend, the ‘Well will be hoping to add to their solid start.

But it won’t be easy, following a heavy defeat at the hands of Celtic on Wednesday night and considering visitors St Johnstone’s recent form.

For the players and coaching staff of Motherwell, bouncing back from disappointments like Wednesday’s is an important challenge.

But the manager and players feel confident that tomorrow afternoon will provide the platform needed to do so.

St Johnstone come into the match on the back of a 3-2 win over Hearts in the Betfred Cup, where a late winner sent the Saints into the quarterfinals.

Manager Tommy Wright will be delighted with his sides start, but may have slight concerns after their goalless draw at home to Aberdeen last weekend.

While a point against last seasons runners-up is an important one, the concern will be that his side failed to score against a side that they enjoyed much success against in front of goal last season: bagging 12 in just four games.

With last season’s fourth placed side travelling to Fir Park to face the Steelmen, who finished in fifth, it makes for an interesting fixture.

New signing Craig Clay may have been with the Fir Parkers for a few weeks now, but after putting pen to paper on a two-year deal this week, he will be hoping to put in a solid performance in his first home match since signing that hard earned contract.

The 24-year-old has featured in the Betfred cup as well as the league opener against Killie last weekend – where he nearly found the back of the net if it weren’t for the incredible reflexes of Jamie McDonald.

Against tomorrow’s opponents, who have proven to be tough to break down, a player like Clay in the middle of the park will hugely important in what will likely be another hard-fought league match.

Speaking to MFC TV earlier this week, the Englishman said: “I’m over the moon, I’ve been here for a few weeks but obviously when you’re on trial and your future’s on the line it’s a bit nerve-racking. Luckily the manager took a shine to me and I’ve been offered a contract and I’m delighted.”

He added: “It’s a big chance for me, it’s a massive club and I can’t wait for Saturday’s game against St Johnstone.”

‘Well boss Mark McGhee added: “We’re delighted to get Craig signed up and I think he’s been excellent over the last few weeks. He works hard, he’s an attacking threat from midfield and he’s hugely popular amongst the squad.

“The way he’s backed himself is first class and he’s the type of player teammates love as he’ll run through brick walls for the cause. We now have some strong competition in the middle of the park, which is healthy.”

After a solid 2015/16 season, St Johnstone have started this campaign on a similar note, and will arrive at Fir Park today full of confidence.

Topping Group B in the Betfred cup and progressing to the quarter-finals as well as registering a hard-fought draw against Aberdeen last weekend, the Saints will be feeling positive with the start they’ve made.

For manager Tommy Wright, it was going to be a busy summer as he looked to retain his stars and build on an already strong squad.

With minimal departures from McDiarmid Park and the arrival of midfielder Paul Paton, the Saints look like they have had a decent summer window.

Arriving from Dundee United on a free transfer, the 29-year-old will bring stability to the middle of the park.

But one of the main challenges of the club will be ensuring the midfielder can stay fit, after he missed a number of games through injury last season.

Away from the treatment table though, Paton could prove to be a valuable addition to the squad.

As could right-back Keith Watson, who impressed in the Championship last season and signed on a free from St Mirren.

The 26-year-old scored on four occasions and put in a solid performance in the League Cup against Elgin, when he played the entire 90 minutes.

One of the most exciting additions is the arrival of midfielder Blair Alston, who signed from Falkirk after spending five years with the Bairns.

Last season saw the now 24-year-old bag 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, catching the attention of Tommy Wright and the St Johnstone scouting team, and will push for a starting spot this term.

But one of the familiar faces around McDiarmid Park is MacLean, who will be just as important as any of the new arrivals.

The 33-year-old was the Saints top scorer last season with 14 league strikes. In just three appearances in the Betfred Cup, the veteran has bagged 2 goals and notched three assists already as he continues to be Tommy Wright’s man

Last time out, the Saints registered a 3-2 win against Hearts.

But in the league, a 0-0 draw with last season’s runners-up Aberdeen proved to be a good result.

Tommy Wright may have concerns though, with his side failing to score despite bagging 12 in their four clashes last term.

They nearly continued that trend with their first attack on Saturday though, as Cummins almost steered Brian Easton’s shot past the keeper.

Aberdeen dominated possession, but it was the hosts who went closest to breaking the deadlock when Anthony O’Connor’s clearance landed kindly at the feet of Swanson who struck a shot towards the corner, only to be denied by the quick reactions of Dons stopper Lewis.

Poor defending handed another gilt-edged chance to Cummins inside the six-yard box, but, with the goal gaping, he miss-kicked and Lewis was able to save.

After the performance, Tommy Wright said: “I think any point against Aberdeen is always a good point.

“They’ve proved they’re a top side and they put us under a lot of pressure and we dealt with that well; quite a few teams in this league may have crumbled.

“We’re pleased with the defensive performance but maybe we could have done more in an attacking sense.”