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‘Well boss Mark McGhee felt his team were fantastic and unlucky not to get something from this afternoon’s loss at home to Celtic.

A last-minute winner from Tom Rogic snatched the three points for the visitors during a dramatic encounter at Fir Park.

Speaking to MFC TV at the final whistle, the manager admitted he was hugely disappointed but ultimately felt his side were “fantastic”.

He said: “To score three goals and not win the game is hugely disappointing and to play the way we did, especially in the first half, I thought we were fantastic and the goals we scored were of such quality.

“You always know that Celtic are going to come back at you and we also know that we’re not that good at keeping clean sheets so there is a danger, even at 2-0.

[pullquote] To score three goals and not win the game is hugely disappointing and to play the way we did, especially in the first half, I thought we were fantastic and the goals we scored were of such quality.[/pullquote]

“We played fantastically well for long spells of the game and even going 2-2 and straight away taking the lead was brilliant to bounce back like that. Obviously then losing two goals was disappointing but it was a fantastic performance and what three great goals we scored.”

He added: “It gave them the impetus and something to go for and it is a dangerous scoreline so it was disappointing to lose the goal the way that we did especially the first goal was a bit too easy. We do have to find a way of not conceding these goals and that’s what we’ll be working on.”

Despite the loss, McGhee admitted there were a number of positives to take in to next weekend’s clash with Kilmarnock.

He said: “There’s a lot of positives, Ross MacLean coming in, Cadds again seeing off the boy Izaguirre and they had to make a change because they couldn’t contain him.

[pullquote] We played fantastically well for long spells of the game and even going 2-2 and straight away taking the lead was brilliant to bounce back like that.[/pullquote]

“Moulty for that first half was almost unplayable playing up there himself and the rest backed him up brilliantly and for Sammy to lose four goals is a travesty because he didn’t do too much wrong.”

He added: “When you play good teams that can happen to you, Celtic have lost seven this season and they’re a good team.”

Ross MacLean started in the reverse fixture at Parkhead, and came back into McGhee’s side this afternoon.

The manager said: “We play these youngsters because we think that they’re good enough, not just for the sake of it to play lip service to the fact that we have a youth policy.

[pullquote] The thing now is that we can’t live on this – either the disappointment of it or the fact that we played so well in spells, we have to reproduce that.[/pullquote]

“Ross came in again today, he played at Parkhead, and what a cross it was for the second goal and what a bit of play. He’s put in a great challenge especially for a young winger, and he’s put in a cross that, even though Moulty still had to provide the excellent finish, was put on a plate for him.”

Looking forward, the manager hopes for similar levels of performance, but also for points on the board.

He said: “The thing now is that we can’t live on this – either the disappointment of it or the fact that we played so well in spells, we have to reproduce that.

“We’re going to have to reproduce it to beat Kilmarnock don’t worry about that, we’re going to have to be well to beat Kilmarnock – we’ve got to take that sort of energy, that sort of determination and that sort of form into the Kilmarnock game and make sure we get three points here.”

[tab:Match report]

Motherwell suffered an agonising 3-4 loss at home to Celtic in the Ladbrokes Premiership this afternoon.

A wonder goal from Louis Moult in the third minute got the Steelmen off to a dream start and ended Celtic’s 10-hour period without conceding in the league – before the forward added a second to go in to the break with a two goal cushion.

That was followed by a frantic second half, and a more frantic three minute spell, in which Celtic clawed back in to the game and eventually scored a last minute winner.

Mark McGhee named two changes to the side that lost 3-0 away to Hearts last weekend, with Stevie Hammell returning to the starting eleven in place of Jack McMillan and Ross MacLean in for David Ferguson, as the manager switched to a back four.

Celtic, fresh off their League Cup triumph over Aberdeen, named just one change – with veteran Kolo Toure stepping in for the in-form Erik Sviatchenko.

It was a dream start for the ‘Well when Louis Moult opened the scoring after just three minutes – and what a goal it was. An inch perfect ball over the top by McManus was anticipated superbly by Moult, who sprung the offside trap and with the inside of his right boot, lifted the ball over the helpless Gordon.

The Steelmen went close to a second in the 16^th minute and again the move started off from the left boot of Stephen McManus. The centre-back swept a fantastic ball out wide to Tait, who cushioned it neatly back inside towards Moult who pulled off an outstanding back-heel pass to Cadden to get in behind the Celtic defence. The midfielder pulled it back but Simunovic intercepted to clear the danger.

Celtic enjoyed long spells of possession in the opening 20 minutes, but failed to create any clear cut chances and ‘Well stopper Craig Samson was untested.

Cadden was proving to be too much to handle for full-back Izaguirre and in the 25^th minute won a free kick in a dangerous area after the … defender hacked him down. From the set piece, Stevie Hammell whipped in a wonderful ball which Heneghan headed low on target, but Gordon gathered comfortably.

Two minutes later and the Fir Parkers were inches from a second and it was Moult looking dangerous again. Cadden enjoyed plenty of space to storm into down the right and fired a great ball low across the box. Moult got a touch on it with his right foot but it wasn’t quite enough and it flew narrowly past Gordon’s far post.

Celtic were limited to efforts from outside the box and Armstrong went closest with a good strike from range, but Samson confidently saw it wide.

Izaguirre was substituted after 29 minutes as manager Brendan Rodgers took no risks, swiftly withdrawing the defender after he found himself in the book early doors – he was replaced by McGregor.

In the 35^th minute, Fir Park erupted as Moult got his second and doubled his side’s lead. Youngster MacLean sent another inch perfect cross towards the back post, eliminating Celtic’s entire defence from the play and allowing Moult to stride in and send another volley past Gordon, this time beating the stopper at his near post.

Some neat footwork by Dembele on the stroke of half time created a half chance for the forward, but he blazed his strike high and wide.

Three minutes after the break, Celtic pulled one back through Callum McGregor who played a neat one-two in to the box, finishing low past Samson.

The goal spurred the visitors in to life and Motherwell were on the back foot for much of the opening ten minutes of the second half.

Rogic, growing ever more influential in the middle of the park, tested Samson from close range but the ‘keeper did well to make himself big and block the goal bound effort.

Two minutes later James Forrest burst past Stevie Hammell to create the space he needed to fizz a low cross in front of goal, but it flew by untouched and eventually trickled out for a ‘Well throw.

Samson produced a fine save to deny Rogic again in the 65^th minute, getting across well to palm away to safety and deny the ball from curling in to the top corner.

The tireless Chris Cadden was forced to leave the field when he went down injured, he was replaced by Lionel Ainsworth with 22 minutes remaining.

But almost instantly after the change, Celtic drew level when Patrick Roberts latched on to a good cross at the back post and head into the ground past Samson, and the equaliser was the first of  an outrageous three minute goal spree.

Immediately down the other end from kick-off, Stevie Hammell sent in a delightful cross to the back post where Ainsworth was waiting to volley past Gordon.

Celtic responded in the same manner, this time Stuart Armstrong, who latched on to a neat through ball from Roberts, was gifted too much space in the box and the Scottish midfielder passed it low past Samson to level the scoring.

Mark McGhee made his second change of the afternoon at that point, bringing off Ross MacLean for Jack McMillan.

Richard Tait did well to win a corner for the Fir Parkers in the 84^th minute, and from the following delivery McManus got his head on it and turned it towards goal, but it was a little too central and Gordon held it.

In heart breaking fashion, Celtic snatched the lead right at the moment the fourth official indicated the additional time to be added. Tom Rogic shifted the ball on to his right foot and fired low past Samson into the far corner.

The table toppers held on for the final minutes to secure the three points, but it was a spirited Motherwell performance at Fir Park and a sickening blow for the Steelmen to concede so late.

 

Motherwell: Samson, Tait, Hammell, Heneghan, McManus, Cadden (Ainsworth ’68), Lasley, Clay, MacLean (McMillan ’74), McDonald, Moult

Unused subs: Brill, Bowman, Thomas, Ferguson, Campbell

 

 

 

 

[tab:As it happened]

 Alastair Reilly at Fir Park

 

FT: Motherwell 3 – 4 Celtic #MFCvCFC

91′ | 3-4

Motherwell sub, Bowman on for Tait

Four minutes added on.

89′ | 3-4

Goal – Rogic makes it 3-4 to Celtic.

85′ | 3-3

Chance!!! Ainsworth’s corner to Moult who stoops low to head and forces a save from Gordon.

MATCH ATTAX | Young ‘Well fans can vote now for your Man of the Match. Tweet us with your name, your age, your choice and #MatchAttaxMOTM.

74′ | 3-3

Motherwell sub, McMillan on for MacLean

72′ | 3-3

Goal – It’s now 3-3! Celtic go straight up the park and Armstrong sneaks it past Samson.

71′ | 3-2

INCREDIBLE!! Moments after conceding, ‘Well are back on top!! Hammell with a dream ball in to Ainsworth who volleys in!!

GGGGOOOOOAAALLLLL!!!

70′ | 2-2

Goal – Celtic draw level with a header from Roberts.

68′ | 2-1

Motherwell sub, Cadden limps off and is replaced by Ainsworth

65′ | 2-1

Samson with a good diving save to keep out Rogic who cut in on his left foot.

62′ | 2-1

Cadden fouled by Simunovic, wide on the right. Free-kcik is swung in but ref blows for a foul on Brown. McManus booked.

60′ | 2-1

Poor clearance by Toure falls at the feet of McDonald. From 20 yards he opts for the shot but its a routine save for Gordon.

56′ | 2-1

Brown booked for wiping out McDonald in the middle of the pitch.

53′ | 2-1

Rogic worms his way into the box but thankfully his shot from 12 yards is beaten away by Samson.

48′ | 2-1

Goal – Celtic pull one back through McGregor

Celtic get the second 45 underway. COYW!!!!

HT: Motherwell 2 – 0 Celtic

There will be 2 minutes added on.

Into added on time of the first half….

42′ | 2-0

MacLean booked as Lustig is down receiving treatment.

35′ | 2-0

It’s @louismoult again!!!! Great work from MacLean who whips in a great ball to the back post leaving Moulty with an easy finish!!

GGGOOOAAALLL!!!

34′ | 1-0

Armstrong shoots from outside the box but Samson knows its going wide and it does.

32′ | 1-0

McGregor’s shot is blocked and Celtic have their first corner. ..

29′ | 1-0

Celtic sub,Izaguirre off for McGregor. Doesn’t look injured, presumably a change of shape.

28′ | 1-0

Moult booked. Tried to block Brown’s clearance but the Celtic man goes down.

27′ | 1-0

So close to two!! Cadden with a great low ball which Moult gets a flick on but it’s inches past the post!!!

24′ | 1-0

Izaguirre is in the ref’s book for a poor challenge on Cadden. Can’t complain.

21′ | 1-0

Celtic with their first real sight of goal, Forrest gets on the end of Dembele’s ball but scuffs it well wide.

17′ | 1-0

McManus again with a ball over the top, this time to Tait who plays it to Moult. He flicks it to Cadden but cross is blocked

3′ | 1-0

McManus clips a lovely ball over the top to MOULT who spectacularly volleys over Gordon. 1-0 Motherwell!!

WHAT A START!!!

GGGOOOOAAALL!!!

Lasley gets the game underway for the Steelmen.

Out come the teams……COYW!!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

 

Celtic manager Brendan Rogers:

 

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”299″]

The tenth issue of the Steelmen matchday magazine is on sale ahead of tomorrow’s league clash with Celtic at Fir Park.

Here, we take a look at what can be found inside the 68-page programme.

Regular pieces including the pre-match column from manager Mark McGhee and club captain Keith Lasley, along with ‘5 Fast Facts’ and ‘Getting to Know You’ – where ex-Celtic striker Scott McDonald is profiled – all remain in the tenth issue of the 2016/17 season programme.

The all-new feature exclusive to the programme called ‘Well in Numbers’, where feature writer Andrew Paterson looks at some of the key numbers in Motherwell history, continues too.

This weeks feature interview is with solid centre-back Ben Heneghan, who talks about his reasons for joining the Steelmen as well as the atmosphere around the club.

‘Future Steel’ is an inside look at the next generation of players waiting patiently to break in to the first team and this week, Jack McMillan is profiled in the light of his new two and a half year deal and his continuing presence in and around the first team.

As part of the clubs aims to work closely with the Motherwell FC Community Trust and The ‘Well Society, regular updates are included in the programme.

This week’s main features on tomorrow’s opposition remain, including an in-depth look at Celtic as well as this season’s new ‘Tactics Board’, where we profile Brendan Rodger’s previous starting eleven.

Our match reports section looks back on the Fir Parkers 3-0 loss away to Hearts last weekend.

An update on Stephen Craigan’s U20s side is included too, reporting on the youngster’s recent result away to St Mirren in the Development League this week.

Get all the latest from the Ticket Office as well as an in-depth look at tomorrow’s match-officials.

All this and more is available for £3 and is on sale from the Club Shop as well as the usual sellers located in and around the ground pre-match.

You can also order back editions or take a subscription to the magazine for the rest of the season by visiting the website of our publishers, Curtis-Sports.

The ‘Signing Zone’ continues this week prior to tomorrow’s fixture against Celtic.

So why not come to Fir Park tomorrow morning and meet first-team stars Jack McMillan and Dean Brill, who will be in The Well Shop’s ‘Signing Zone’ from 10:15pm until 10:45pm to meet fans, sign autographs and pose for selfies.

Jack McMillan will be signing shirts, programmes and calendars, fresh off the back of signing an extended two and a half year deal – so why not come along and congratulate Jack as well as get a picture with the future star.

Fans have the opportunity to meet summer signing Dean Brill, who penned a deal with the Fir Parkers and continues to battle for a place with Craig Samson in the Motherwell goal.

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 is open from 9.30am.

‘Well starlet Jack McMillan has committed his future to the club, signing a new two-and-a-half-year contract.

The 18-year old right back has impressed since making his first-team debut, particularly playing on the unfamiliar left hand side role in the absence of Stevie Hammell and Joe Chalmers.

Now McMillan has joined the likes of Chris Cadden and Allan Campbell in committing his future to the Steelmen.

[pullquote]I had been looking forward to just getting myself in to the first team and I guess I’ve managed to take my chance and it’s been rewarded with the deal today and I’m really pleased.[/pullquote]

Speaking to motherwellfc.co.uk, he said: “I had been looking forward to just getting myself in to the first team and I guess I’ve managed to take my chance and it’s been rewarded with the deal today and I’m really pleased.”

Stepping up to the first team, Jack admitted Under 20s coach Stephen Craigan has been a huge part in his progression.

He said: “He’s played a huge part and one of the things he said to me when I first went in to the first team was that the speed was so much higher, and I’ve noticed it mentally. You can switch off at points in the 20s and not necessarily be punished for it, but you just can’t afford to switch off at any stage at this level.”

[pullquote]I’m delighted that Jack has extended his stay with us. It is just reward for his hard work and standout performances so far this season, and long may that continue.[/pullquote]

He added: “Crags said to me that when I go into the first team I have to be as consistent as I can be and I need to make sure I keep this up.”

‘Well boss Mark McGhee added: “I’m delighted that Jack has extended his stay with us. It is just reward for his hard work and standout performances so far this season, and long may that continue.

“We’ve seen the breakout of a number of youngsters this season, and we are working to secure them to new contracts as well.

“It is a huge part of what we do here at Motherwell and it is extremely pleasing seeing players make the step up like Jack has. The task for them all is to cement their place in the starting eleven of the weeks, months and years ahead.”

Motherwell host Celtic in the Ladbrokes Premiership tomorrow afternoon, hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s loss away to Hearts.

It will be a tough fixture for the Steelmen though, with tomorrow’s opponents unbeaten domestically and newly crowned league cup winners.

This weekend is the third meeting between the two sides this term, following 5-0 and 2-0 losses both at Parkhead.

The Fir Parkers will still be without the recovering Carl McHugh and Joe Chalmers, but are otherwise full strength. While Celtic will miss Scott Sinclair and Kieran Tierney as the Glasgow outfit arrive in Lanarkshire.

Despite missing two of their biggest talents, Celtic still boast fantastic strength in depth and Motherwell assistant manager James McFadden is aware of their threat, but is confident ahead of tomorrow’s big clash.

When asked what the mind-set has to be like when facing a side in Celtic’s sort of form, McFadden called for “positivity”.

He said: “We have to be positive. We go in to every game believing we’re going to win the game, we set up to win the game and it will be the same again on Saturday.

We go in to every game believing we’re going to win the game, we set up to win the game and it will be the same again on Saturday.

“We’re under no illusions, they’re the best team in the league but they’re beatable and the mind-set for us is we’ll go out there on Saturday to win the game.”

This Saturday is the third meeting between the sides this term, following two defeats at Parkhead, but McFadden believes playing at home offers Motherwell a chance to return to winning ways.

He said: “If you look at the league cup game, obviously it was a resounding defeat for us, but the league game wasn’t and we caused them enough problems in that game.

“I think we’ve shown that we’ve dealt with them probably a bit better than most teams in the league and that’s the confidence we take in this weekend.

“We’ve got them at home and it’s a chance for us to go and put on a show for our fans and show everybody else that they are beatable.”

We also need to watch for mistakes because in the end the game at Parkhead cost us because we made two mistakes and we were punished for them.

He added: “You can’t afford to waste chances in any game but especially against Celtic, we know we need to be at our best.

“We also need to watch for mistakes because in the end the game at Parkhead cost us because we made two mistakes and we were punished for them. If we limit our mistakes and take our chances I think we’ll be all right.”

 

‘Keeper Craig Samson feels the home advantage could give Motherwell a boost ahead of this Saturday’s league clash.

And he added that the standard of opposition doesn’t concern him as a goalkeeper, he just wants to perform as best as he can every single week.

Samson said: “It’s a game that we’ve got to go into and focus on the match and have a system that the manager has put in place that we’ll work on today and tomorrow and hopefully we’ll get something out of the game.

“As a goalkeeper you’ve got to go in to the game and hope that you can perform the way that you can every week – it doesn’t make a difference if it’s Celtic, Kilmarnock or Dundee.”

Last time the two sides met, the Steelmen lost narrowly 2-0 at Parkhead, and Samson admitted the team stuck to what they had prepared but were unlucky.

He said: “I think we had a game plan that day that the boys put in to place very well and we were unfortunate at times not to get something out the game, but that was a while ago, so we’ve just got to look in to this one now.

[pullquote]We’ve got to go into and focus on the match and have a system that the manager has put in place that we’ll work on today and tomorrow and hopefully we’ll get something out of the game.[/pullquote]

“It’s at home this time. We’ve played Celtic twice this season and they’ve both been at Parkhead so we’ve got to take our home form in to the game on Saturday and hopefully get something out of the game here.”

At Fir Park it’s a lot different, we’ve got our fans there wanting us to win, there’s not as much noise from the Celtic fans and it does make a difference.

He added: “It’s a different task for them and a different task for us to play them at our home stadium.

“It’s not about the atmosphere being more daunting, it’s just that you want to play in front of your own fans and when you play away to Celtic there’s 60,000 fans who want you to get beat, whereas here at Fir Park it’s a lot different, we’ve got our fans there wanting us to win, there’s not as much noise from the Celtic fans and it does make a difference.”

He continued: “Everybody would rather play at home rather than away – it’s your own surroundings, you know everything about the club, they don’t know that when they’re walking in the door, some of them wont have played here before, so that’s something hopefully we can use to our advantage on Saturday.”

 

Celtic come in to tomorrow’s match as newly crowned League Cup champions, undefeated in the Ladbrokes Premiership and in the middle of domestic ten game winning streak.

Scoring freely under new manager Brendan Rodgers, the Parkhead outfit look every bit like the league favourites they are tipped to be, registering some impressive results – including a 6-1 victory over Kilmarnock as well as 5-1 and 4-1 wins over Rangers and Aberdeen respectively.

Draws with Borussia Mönchengladbach away from home and Manchester City at Parkhead in the Champions League have been additional highlights for Celtic fans this season so far.

However a 2-0 defeat at home to Barcelona last week eliminated the Hoops from Europe after a brace from Lionel Messi sealed Group C for the Catalans.

But perhaps the most important game of the week for the Glasgow side was their clash with Aberdeen in the League Cup final last weekend.

And they made no mistake as they stormed to a 3-0 victory over the Northerners – securing manager Brendan Rodgers first piece of silverware in Scotland at the first possible opportunity.

When skipper Scott Brown lifted the cup, it was a historic moment as it was the clubs 100th trophy.

It was a comfortable afternoon for the Hoops as Rogic launched a precise strike in to the far corner before Forrest almost recreated the finish before the half time break.

In the second half, Dembele made no mistake from the penalty spot as Celtic kept their clean sheet and extended their domestic winning streak to ten matches.

The French centre forward has slotted in to Rodgers team with ease so far and is the Northern Irishman’s main source of goals. Dembele has bagged 17 in 27 appearances this season, including a hattrick in the Old Firm victory and a brace against Manchester City.

The sheer impact of the summer signing is even more impressive given he is just 20 years of age.

One of the biggest strengths Celtic possess is the depth of their squad, with last seasons top scorer Leigh Griffiths limited to 434 minutes of action in the league so far, compared to Dembele’s 864.

Then there are players like James Forrest, Scott Sinclair, Tom Rogic, Patrick Roberts, Stuart Armstrong, Gary Mackay-Steven, Ryan Christie and Kris Commons all competing for the three positions in behind the striker.

‘Well boss Mark McGhee will be more than familiar with a few of Celtic’s key players tomorrow afternoon, not only from past meetings between the two sides but also due to his close relationship with the Scottish Internationals in Rodgers ranks.

Scott Brown, Craig Gordon, Leigh Griffiths and James Forrest have all had recent call-ups to Gordon Strachan’s side and are key components for Celtic.

In recent weeks, Stuart Armstrong has also sparked into form under Rodgers, scoring the winner away to Kilmarnock two weeks ago to extend the clubs winning streak and their lead at the summit of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

But the biggest recruit in the summer was arguably the manager, Brendan Rodgers.

Under the ex-Liverpool boss, the Hoops have gained their fair share of plaudits and the Northern Irishman is exciting Celtic fans across the globe.

However, Saturday’s opponents will come in to the match knowing that the last time they lost a home league game at Parkhead was against the Steelmen last season, when a Louis Moult brace brought the Fir Parkers from behind to beat Ronny Deila’s Celtic 2-1 on their own patch.

And while the Bhoys are a completely different side, playing an attractive, exciting and fast brand of football this season – the Steelmen will be confident in the knowledge that they have what it takes to overcome Celtic.

Rodgers side arrive at Fir Park this afternoon hungry to maintain and extend their unbeaten run in domestic football, but with the Steelmen themselves hungry to bounce back to winning ways following the disappointing loss against Hearts, it makes for an interesting game in Lanarkshire tomorrow.

‘Keeper Craig Samson feels the home advantage could give Motherwell a boost ahead of this Saturday’s clash with Celtic.

And he added that the standard of opposition doesn’t concern him as a goalkeeper, he just wants to perform as best as he can every single week.

Speaking to the press this morning, Samson said: “It’s a game that we’ve got to go into and focus on the match and have a system that the manager has put in place that we’ll work on today and tomorrow and hopefully we’ll get something out of the game.

“As a goalkeeper you’ve got to go in to the game and hope that you can perform the way that you can every week – it doesn’t make a difference if it’s Celtic, Kilmarnock or Dundee.”

[pullquote]We’ve got to go into and focus on the match and have a system that the manager has put in place that we’ll work on today and tomorrow and hopefully we’ll get something out of the game.[/pullquote]

Last time the two sides met, the Steelmen lost narrowly 2-0 at Parkhead, and Samson admitted the team stuck to what they had prepared but were unlucky.

He said: “I think we had a game plan that day that the boys put in to place very well and we were unfortunate at times not to get something out the game, but that was a while ago, so we’ve just got to look in to this one now.

“It’s at home this time. We’ve played Celtic twice this season and they’ve both been at Parkhead so we’ve got to take our home form in to the game on Saturday and hopefully get something out of the game here.”

[pullquote]At Fir Park it’s a lot different, we’ve got our fans there wanting us to win, there’s not as much noise from the Celtic fans and it does make a difference.[/pullquote]

He added: “It’s a different task for them and a different task for us to play them at our home stadium.

“It’s not about the atmosphere being more daunting, it’s just that you want to play in front of your own fans and when you play away to Celtic there’s 60,000 fans who want you to get beat, whereas here at Fir Park it’s a lot different, we’ve got our fans there wanting us to win, there’s not as much noise from the Celtic fans and it does make a difference.”

He continued: “Everybody would rather play at home rather than away – it’s your own surroundings, you know everything about the club, they don’t know that when they’re walking in the door, some of them wont have played here before, so that’s something hopefully we can use to our advantage on Saturday.”

‘Well assistant boss James McFadden admits that the squad are full of belief going in to Saturday’s league clash with Celtic.

And while he admitted that the Glaswegian side will be a tough challenge, he also made sure to express that the Steelmen have prepared for the match expecting to go in and win it.

When asked what the mind-set has to be like when facing a side in Celtic’s sort of form, McFadden called for “positivity”.

He said: “We have to be positive. We go in to every game believing we’re going to win the game, we set up to win the game and it will be the same again on Saturday.

[pullquote]We go in to every game believing we’re going to win the game, we set up to win the game and it will be the same again on Saturday.[/pullquote]

“We’re under no illusions, they’re the best team in the league but they’re beatable and the mind-set for us is we’ll go out there on Saturday to win the game.”

This Saturday is the third meeting between the sides this term, following two defeats at Parkhead, but McFadden believes playing at home offers Motherwell a chance to return to winning ways.

He said: “If you look at the league cup game, obviously it was a resounding defeat for us, but the league game wasn’t and we caused them enough problems in that game.

“I think we’ve shown that we’ve dealt with them probably a bit better than most teams in the league and that’s the confidence we take in this weekend.

“We’ve got them at home and it’s a chance for us to go and put on a show for our fans and show everybody else that they are beatable.”

[pullquote]We also need to watch for mistakes because in the end the game at Parkhead cost us because we made two mistakes and we were punished for them.[/pullquote]

He added: “You can’t afford to waste chances in any game but especially against Celtic, we know we need to be at our best.

“We also need to watch for mistakes because in the end the game at Parkhead cost us because we made two mistakes and we were punished for them. If we limit our mistakes and take our chances I think we’ll be all right.”

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has enjoyed a successful start to his reign at the club, and McFadden admitted he likes the way his side plays.

He said: “The initial appointment brought about excitement for everybody and naturally that gave the players a lift.

“He’s worked at the highest level, he knows what he’s doing and I think the intensity of their play is excellent, the way they want to pass the ball is great to see but we’ll need to combat that and play our own game as well and as I said we’re confident of getting a result.”

Motherwell Football Club and sponsor Motorpoint want to give you £100 towards your Christmas shopping!

All you have to do is find one of the Motorpoint promotional team on Saturday when we face Celtic at Fir Park and you could be the lucky winner of £100 of Love2Shop vouchers.

Here is how to win:

• Find one of the Motorpoint Team
• Take a selfie in the Motorpoint windscreen
• Post it on Facebook or Twitter before Kick off at 12.15pm
• Tag in @motorpoint and @motherwellfc
• Wait until half time and you could be on the pitch collecting your prize!
• Spend, Spend, Spend

Highlights from New Western Park where Motherwell’s Under 20s drew 1-1 with St Mirren in the Development League.