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Sophie Gallacher has been busy in recent weeks, not only netting goals for Motherwell Ladies but also representing her country in the Homeless World Cup.

You may have seen it on your screens this summer, the Homeless World Cup was held in Glasgow in George Square, which was completely transformed for the occasion.

A truly inspiring week long event, each participant from countries all over the world, with their own story to tell. Sophie looks back at her HWC experience and forward to the second half of the season as Motherwell go into the second half this weekend sitting top spot.

Full name: Sophie Gallacher

Nickname(s): Soph, Big yin and Sutton (thanks Amanda Burns)

D.O.B:  20/06/1996

Preferred position: Striker

What age did you start playing football? I first started at the age of 7

How did you first get into the game?

It was a neighbour up the street who had his own team but I was slightly too young. Unfortunately I was too young, but I was so desperate to play he pretended I was 8, older than I was, just so I was able to play. Top man.

Previous clubs:  Mostly boys clubs to be honest. Then around age 14/15 I played for St. Andrews girls and then moved onto Port Glasgow Girls Club until I was 17. After that I moved to Motherwell and have been here ever since.

Favourite female player: All my amazing team mates at Motherwell LFC

Favourite male player: Henrik Larsson

Most influential coach: Billy Gillan

You have been at the club a few seasons now Sophie, it’s great to finally get the chance to get a chat. What was it that first attracted you to join Well Ladies?

I heard they were starting a Senior Team and someone got in touch with me and asked me to head up for a trial. I decided to give it a go so I went up for a few training sessions and really enjoyed it. 3 years later and I’m still here.

You have played the beautiful game for many years and yet still so young. What is it that has you hooked?

I just love playing Football. It’s given me routine I need in my life for so long now. I would be lost without it if I’m honest and genuinely believe Football is an escape for me and many other people, that’s why it’s just so invaluable.

Primarily you are a striker, what qualities do you think are required when playing up top?

Yeah Striker is the position for me. I was played on the left or right wing before I came to Motherwell, but I definitely like playing a strikers role.  I think to be strong and have a good finish and a want to get on the ball is so important. I know the role well but even now I am continuing to learn more about it every game I play.

Describe the best goal you have ever scored and why was it so special?

It has to be the goal I scored against Kilmarnock very recently in the last game of the first half of the season, before the break.  I even celebrated the goal for the first time ever! I’m not usually one for celebrations but this goal meant a lot to me. It’s not every game I score a top corner so I just reacted through excitement! It was a really great team victory that day, we played so well against a competitive side. To finish top of the table going into the break was our target so we were really happy. Those last few games leading up to the break were really great for us. Difficult opposition but the girls were on form.

I’ve been so excited to ask you questions and find out a little bit more about just how you represented Scotland in a World Cup Competition no less. How did you feel when you were selected to be part of the Women’s squad that would represent Scotland at the Homeless World Cup held recently in George Square?

I just can’t even explain to you what it was like, I would be here for hours trying. Unless you are involved in it as a player or coach it would be so difficult to understand fully. It was just so unreal but when the assistant coach Jodie phoned me one day and told me I was in the team, I just laughed – I didn’t know what to say. I just said thank you! I had butterflies everyday leading up to the event but we all stuck together and helped each other to prepare for it which definitely showed on the park.

What was it like stepping out in front of the crowd for the first time representing the home nation?

It was so nerve wracking – I was definitely very emotional. I was so excited seeing my family and friends who came down to support me and catching a glimpse of them in the stands when we were about to play was something special. It was brilliant for all of us hearing the home crowd chanting support for us. Singing the national anthem, every time, gave me butterflies. The whole thing was just such a positive experience.

You were highly thought of by the Homeless World Cup commentators for your ability to strike a ball and score goals, in fact I think you were in the running for goal of the tournament! Tell us more.

I was known as big number 5. I don’t think people expected what they saw from us as a team if I’m honest, but when they saw what we had to offer I think heads started to turn. We didn’t let that get in our way though and soon everyone began to think highly of us. Goal of the tournament? I never thought I would be in for that. If I’m honest I didn’t even think that shot was going in but we were a few goals up in that game so when Karen played that great lifted ball over the top, I just thought I would have a go on the volley and fortunately it hit the top corner.

You have made some amazing friends, each with their own story to tell, was it easy getting to know your new team mates in preparation for the tournament?

Absolutely, I am so happy to have met these guys and they are definitely now friends for life! We were such a tight group of girls right from the start, and still now even after the event.  To have experienced a life changing event with some of the best people I’ve met and will ever meet likely, is incredible. I’m quite a shy character so at the beginning I was nervous but I shouldn’t have been, they are all such easy people and with that, so easy to get along with. The coaching staff too, amazing people – getting to know these guys has been amazing and such a huge thing for me.

Your Motherwell LFC team mates, centre Mid Mandy Burns and twin sister Tracy (right back) were your HWC team Manager and Coach, is that correct? 

Yeah that’s right, Jodie McEwen who was a player in last year’s tournament was our assistant coach this year also.

Both Mandy and Tracy are very talented and experienced players themselves. It must have been a dream to have them at the helm of the HWC Scotland Women’s team?

Yeah it was massive for us to have them in charge. I’d say to have such good experience behind us and them being great role models too was really important for us. Jodie and Sarah who played in last year’s squad came along to some of our training sessions as well and shared their own experiences. This meant so much to everyone and inspired us all. Another two great role models. To have such a solid coaching staff that didn’t give up on us was amazing. We learned from all of them which played a massive part in our success and progress in the event. If it’s ok, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all the girls to say thanks to them for all their hard work, patience and efforts, thanks ladies.

I know you will be sad it’s all over, but you and your teammates should be incredibly proud of getting down to the final four teams, not only are all your Motherwell team mates very proud of you – but the whole of Scotland is very proud of you and your team.

I’m really sad it’s all over now. I can’t even explain it but I am so proud of how far we got in the tournament. To make history in George Square in front of the home support was amazing. Having the Motherwell Ladies team down to support at different times throughout the week was also massive for me and the rest of the girls. It’s more that they are role models for us and I hope they know how much it meant them being there. I will always remember our Motherwell captain, Staceo saying to me: “When you feel like giving up, you will have at least another 10 minutes in you so keep going” and I took that on to the pitch with me. Of course I couldn’t have had a better crowd than the Scottish crowd we had supporting us the full week.

What was your favourite memory from the tournament? 

The whole event is a lifelong memory I will always have, but I think getting through to the semi final was just the most amazing feeling. We were all so buzzing when we heard the crowd singing ‘Scotland’s on fire’ it was all I could hear. I never in my life thought a football event could make me as emotional as it did. It was something I will never ever forget.

Has being part of something so special inspired you to get those shooting boots on in the second half of the competitive season?

It definitely has – I learned so much from being part of the HWC and it’s given me so much more confidence and helped build my self-esteem so I will take that back into the season with me as a huge positive.

Motherwell ladies had an outstanding season last year Sophie. League and League cup success and down to the last eight in the Scottish cup. This season hasn’t been too bad either, albeit Scottish cup and league cup disappointment but at the halfway point sitting top of the league is fantastic. What do you think is the secret to the ladies past successes?

The vast experience we all share in the squad is massive for us but I think more importantly, just the drive and desire we have to win the fight for each other is key.

What are your hopes for Well Ladies during the remainder of the 2016 season?

My hope is the same as everyone else. We had two disappointing results this season, one in the league cup and one in the Scottish Cup. We now go on and rectify those mistakes by winning the league. My hope is that we continue to play now as we did going into the break, to play well under our new manager and make this league ours.

You are a busy lady and travel a fair distance to attend training and games at Motherwell. Is it difficult to juggle the commitments of your own life with training and playing games for your club? 

Yes it can be difficult but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I love it and am used to the routine now. Football is a commitment in life I have always had and I’m happy I’m committed to Motherwell Ladies.

You must be excited to get your boots on and get back out there for the second half of the season. How do you prepare yourself for each game and what targets do you set yourself?

Definitely, I can’t wait for the season to go again – not long now. Preparation for me is just to eat and drink well, particularly prior to a game. I try to relax as much as I can before game days and my personal target is always to be better than the last game I played.
What do you enjoy the most about being part of the team here at Motherwell Ladies? 

Playing alongside the girls each week and of course the good banter.  Also playing alongside so many talented and experienced players who have played at the top level for so long, means I am able to learn so much at a young age which is a positive for me and something I can take into the future.

Sophie it’s been an absolute privilege speaking to you about your career so far and hearing all your amazing stories about being part of the Homeless World Cup this year. I wish you all the best in the future and I know we are all excited to see you score plenty of those special goals in the second half of the season. 

Thank you Dibsy, it’s been great to share my experiences with you and the Motherwell Family.

Follow Sophie on twitter @sophiegallache1

Follow Motherwell Ladies on twitter @MotherwellLFC

Follow me on twitter @dibsy_

‘Well boss Mark McGhee believes that his side can focus on the prospect of going to the top the table to give them a push this weekend.

The  Steelmen host St Johnstone in the Ladbrokes Premiership and McGhee’s men will be looking to follow on from their 2-1 win against Kilmarnock in the opening game.

And the manager also believes that the midweek loss to Celtic will have no bearing on tomorrow’s match.

Speaking to the press, he said: “There’s no chance that Wednesday nights result will have a damaging affect on tomorrow’s game.

[pullquote]There’s no chance that Wednesday nights result will have a damaging affect on tomorrow’s game.[/pullquote]

“I set my stall out before a ball was kicked and we talked about the season ahead –and one of the things that I said was that last season when we got beat by Hearts badly and then Celtic at the end of the season is that these things can happen.”

He added: “We’re realistic and we know we can lose a game but we always know we can go in to the next game and win it.

“Four players in our squad had never played at Parkhead before so that was a great experience for them to play against players of that level.”

McGhee believes it will be another tough game for the Fir Parkers, who face a strong Saints team.

[pullquote]It’s possible that we could be sitting top of the league come Saturday night so we’ve got something to play for.[/pullquote]

He said: “St Johnstone got a fantastic result on Wednesday night and they started the season strongly with a draw against Aberdeen too.

“They beat us here last time we played and we’ve found them a difficult team to play against.

“It’s possible that we could be sitting top of the league come Saturday night so we’ve got something to play for.”

On the injury to midfielder Carl McHugh, the manager added: “Carl actually showed one or two signs of being a little bit concussed which he didn’t show at first but come Wednesday he was feeling it.”

Referee for Saturday’s Ladbrokes Premiership clash with St Johnstone is Euan Anderson.

Anderson, 33, will be handling his first Motherwell match of the new season but took charge on three occasions last term.

The first was a vital 3-1 home win over Dundee back in December, when goals from McDonald, Moult and Pearson gave McGhee’s men all three points.

The second was a month later, when Motherwell again won at home, this time the comfortable 5-0 victory over Cove Rangers in the Fourth Round of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

The third and final match was the Fir Parkers final league game away to Celtic, which ended in a 7-0 defeat.

The Dumbarton-based whistler was promoted to category one in the summer of 2011 and has taken charge of three Motherwell matches in the past, the first coming in the Scottish Cup fourth round defeat to Albion Rovers at New Douglas Park on November 2013 where a first goal of the season for Albion’s Gary Phillips ensured the Coatbridge outfit’s qualification to the next round of the cup.

He was also in charge of Motherwell’s 2-1 win away to Kilmarnock in 2014/15 season where goals from Stephen Pearson and Lee Erwin secured three points for Well’ on this occasion with an Anthony Straker own-goal being the only blotch to the copybook on that day.

The win was part of a three match win streak that Well’ put together on the backend of last season, commencing with a 4-0 victory over Hamilton and a 5-0 victory over St Mirren to bookend the Kilmarnock fixture.

Euan will be assisted by Gavin Harris and Andy Milne with Bobby Madden on fourth official duties.

Action images from today’s 5-0 loss to Celtic in the Betfred Cup.

Snaps courtesy of SNSPix

[svgallery name=”celtic100816″]

‘Well boss Mark McGhee admits his players need to learn from the 5-0 defeat at Parkhead in the Betfred cup tonight.

After progressing from Group F, the Steelmen drew favourites Celtic in the second round.

Speaking to MFC TV following the defeat, the Motherwell boss said: “We maybe didn’t come here expecting to win but we expected to do well and make it more difficult for them than we did.

“But in saying that, they were in excellent form tonight – the two wide players and Rogic especially – and we couldn’t handle their pace, we couldn’t handle their movement and we ended up losing the game badly.”

He added: “More important to me would be our own performance against that, and we can do better.

[pullquote]We maybe didn’t come here expecting to win but we expected to do well and make it more difficult for them than we did.[/pullquote]

“We didn’t keep the ball as well as I think we’re capable of doing, even under the sort of pressure they put us under.

“Generally I think we underperformed but they played very, very well tonight and I don’t think for a minute that will be the last time that a side loses five goals at Parkhead this season.”

Looking ahead to Saturday’s league game against St Johnstone at Fir Park, McGhee insisted that his side need to focus and bounce back.

He said: “We have to discount this result entirely and go in to Saturday’s game still believing that we have good players and we’re a decent team – there was nobody out there who wasn’t trying tonight and I know these boys all have fantastic attitudes to bounce back.”

[tab:Match report]

 Phil McGhee at Celtic Park

Motherwell crashed out of the Betfred Cup with a painful 5-0 defeat at the home of Premiership Champions Celtic.

The Steelmen were aiming to improve dramatically from their last visit to Celtic Park on the final day of last season when they were hammered 7-0.

And although the scoreline reflected another handsome win for the Parkhead men, in truth had it not been for a handful of wonderful saves from Craig Samson, ‘Well’s exit from the Betfred cup would have been a lot more severe.

However, on the day that the Fir Park club signed free agent Craig Clay on a permanent contract, Celtic’s multimillion pound signings, and in particular Moussa Dembele and Scott Sinclair showed the gulf in resources both off and on the park.

Mark McGhee made two changes from the side that won at Rugby Park on Saturday. Keith Lasley returning at the expense injured Carl McHugh, with Joe Chalmers’ starting wide left in a back five, charged with the responsibility of tracking his former team-mate James Forrest.

For almost 20 minutes the Fir Park men contained the home side to a couple of tame shots which caused little concern for Samson. In the 16th minute the ‘Well stopper was required to make the first of some key saves when he dived full length to push away Sinclair’s curling shot.

Three minutes later, though, Samson was helpless as Celtic made the breakthrough. Callum McGregor found the unmarked Tom Rogic who took a touch before swivelling and lashing the ball high into the net from 10 yards.

Motherwell came close to an immediate reply when Scott McDonald nodded Marvin Johnson’s cross back for Craig Clay but he screwed his shot across goal and beyond the post.

The ‘Well goal had a amazing escape after 28 minutes as Samson made a remarkable double save to deny Rogic, with Moussa Dembele rattling the ball off the crossbar in between.

As the Steelmen failed to match Celtic’s speed of thought and movement Rogic found space to have another crack at goal which Samson was again at full stretch to push away.

Just when ‘Well looked to have survived the onslaught Celtic were gifted a soft penalty. Richard Tait was too close on the hot heels of Sinclair as they raced into the box and Dembele calmly lifted the resultant spot kick past the diving Samson to make it 2-0.

Samson was then the hero with a wonderful triple save to deny Sinclair and Rogic in quick succession as Celtic threatened to ram home their advantage.

Amazingly, having been fortunate to be only two behind, Motherwell came close to grabbing a couple of goals before the break.

Four minutes from half-time Clay slipped the ball through to Johnson who turned at the corner of the box before bending a shot beyond the diving Craig Gordon and narrowly past the post.

Three minutes later the Parkhead ‘keeper reacted smartly to get down and smother the ball on his line as Johnson’s cross took a flick off Ben Heneghen inside the six yard box.

Motherwell’s towering central defender came close again within a minute of the restart when he climbed highest in a packed Celtic box to power Chalmer’s corner down but wide of the back post.

With Lionel Ainsworth on for Hammell Motherwell appeared to have regained some confidence but very quickly Samson was in the thick of it with a couple of smart saves from Sinclair and Scott Brown.

Johnson dragged a shot across the face of the home goal and after a neat exchange with Chris Cadden, Scott McDonald fired his shot over the bar as ‘Well looked for a goal to get themselves back into the tie.

However, a double inside three minutes from Sinclair and Dembelle killed off ‘Well’s chances of a fightback and interest in the League Cup.

Celtic rounded off the scoring when Samson did well to parry Forrest’s angled drive but the ‘keeper was helpless as Rogic rolled the loose ball over the line and complete Motherwell’s misery.

In the final minute McDonald summed up ‘Well’s night when he screwed the ball past the post from four yards after Gordon could only palm out Johnson’s stinging drive – the striker’s blushes only slightly reduced by the assistant’s raised flag for offside.

[tab:As it happened]

 Lewis Irons at Celtic Park

FULL TIME | Celtic 5 – 0 Motherwell #CFCvMFC

81′ | 5-0
Celtic make their final change, Janko off for Ralston.

76′ | 5-0
Goal – Rogic gets his second of the game, following in a Samson save and poking into the net.

72′ | 4-0
Celtic make a second change, Brown off for Henderson

68′ | 4-0
Celtic sub, Lustig off for McCart.

64′ | 4-0
Goal – Dembele gets another, and again he’s not had to work hard for it. 4-0.

61′ | 3-0
Goal – Sinclair cuts in from the left all too easily and picks his spot past Samson. 3-0 to Celtic.

56′ | 2-0
Clay slides in Johnson who puts on the burners but it’s too narrow an angle to trouble Gordon and goes out for a goal kick

52′ | 2-0
Too close for comfort as Dembele turns Heneghan inside the box and hooks his shot just over the bar.

48′ | 2-0
Up the other end, Dembele drills one from just inside the box but Samson makes the save

46′ | 2-0
Early chance as Heneghan rises to meet a corner but nods just past the post.

Second half underway…

Half time sub, Ainsworth on for Hammell….

HALF TIME’ | Celtic 2 – 0 Motherwell

43′ | 2-0
Half chance there for ‘Well as Johnson’s cross is scuffed goalwards but Gordon anticipates it and gets down to make the stop.

40′ | 2-0
Close!! Clay thread in Johnson who curls his shot inches past the post!

38′ | 2-0
Desperate defending there from ‘Well! Sinclair is slid in but Samson is again to the rescue, saving from Sinclair then Rogic!

33′ | 2-0
Goal – Dembele sends Samson the wrong way to put Celtic 2-0 up.

33′ | 1-0
Celtic have a penalty…

31′ | 1-0
Samson is a busy man and is again called into action, diving to his right to put Rogic’s shot past the post.

30′ | 1-0
Good play from Chalmers to break away from Janko, he clips the ball over to McDonald but ref says the Aussie fouled his man

27′ | 1-0
A let off! Rogic’s shot is well saved by Sammy then Dembele strikes the bar and again Rogic has a shot which is turned wide!

22′ | 1-0]
Chance! Loose ball is volleyed by Clay from 18 yards but it’s wide of the post!

19′ | 1-0
Goal – Rogic opens the scoring for Celtic, latching onto McGregor’s clipped ball and firing well beyond Samson.

16′ | 0-0
Sinclair cuts in of the left and fires at goal but again Samson is equal to it, palming it away to safety.

11′ | 0-0
‘Well sat in pretty deep but Celtic work some space allowing McGregor to get a shot away but it’s saved by Samson.

4′ | 0-0
Celtic with the first chance. Dembele with the effort after a mazy run from Sinclair. Easily dealt with by Samson though.

Celtic get the game underway. COYW!!!

Both sides emerge from the tunnel, ‘Well in their denim blue away kit. COYW!!

[tab:Reaction]

Motherwell manager Mark McGhee:

“I don’t think for a minute that that will be the worst result for a team here this season,” said the Well manager. When they get going like that and their finishing is a little bit better it could be more.

“Our goalkeeper played particularly well. There will be a day when a team’s goalkeeper doesn’t play that well and it will be more.

“They do have to keep these players fit. That is an aspect of it. And these players have to keep that form going. We can take things from it in that young players like Cadden and Marvin Johnson can see how their strikers went about their game and aspire to that.

Celtic  Manager  Brendan Rogers:

Coming Soon…

[tab:Man-of-the-match]

[poll id=”280″]

Motherwell FC has today completed the signing of attacking midfielder Craig Clay.

The 24-year old, who has featured as a trialist in wins over East Stirlingshire, Stranraer and Kilmarnock, has penned a two-year deal and is the sixth new signing of the summer after the arrivals of Jacob Blyth, Richard Tait, Ben Heneghan, Carl McHugh and Dean Brill.

Craig started his career at Chesterfield, coming through the youth ranks with the Spireites, including a successful league-winning season and being named their Young Player of the Year in 2008-09. He went on to play 35 times at the Proact Stadium before being snapped up by York City.

His time at Bootham Crescent wasn’t long though and he was quickly on his way again, this time finding his feet at Grimbsy Town, where he was a teammate of current ‘Well full-back Richard Tait.

Clay was a regular for the Mariners, playing 91 times in their midfield over two seasons, eventually helping the team to promotion back to the Football League, beating Forest Green 3-1 at Wembley back in May.

[pullquote]I’m over the moon, I’ve been here for a few weeks. 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.”[/pullquote]

It was also this year he made his England C debut in the International Challenge Trophy, beating Ukraine 2-0.

The attacking midfielder will continue to wear number 21 this term and will battle it out with Chris Cadden, Keith Lasley and Carl McHugh for a spot in the Steelmen midfield.

He said: “I’m over the moon, I’ve been here for a few weeks. 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 cant wait to get started.”

‘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 his 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.”

Motherwell face Celtic in the last 16 of the Betfred cup tomorrow night, after progressing from Group F with nine points.

Scottish Champions Celtic play their first fixture in the cup due to their European commitments, and face Mark McGhee’s men at Parkhead.

The Steelmen will be boosted by the return of captain Keith Lasley, who missed last weekends league match against Kilmarnock due to suspension.

Carl McHugh, who suffered a nasty gash to the head, will be forced to strap his injury if he hopes to start – with the player himself insisting that he wants to play.

Meanwhile, strikers Louis Moult and Jacob Blyth remain unavailable due to injury.

The Fir Parkers go into tomorrow’s match on the back of an important 2-1 win on the opening game of the league season against Kilmarnock.

Goals from Lionel Ainsworth and Marvin Johnson either side of the break was enough for Mark McGhee’s side on a tough afternoon at Rugby Park.

And Motherwell fans will be hopeful that the goalscoring form of the ‘Well attackers continues in the cup, with Marvin Johnson bagging three goals, McDonald scoring two and Cadden adding another two in Group F.

The last time the two sides met, Celtic ran away to a 7-0 win on the final day of the season, but tomorrow night could go either way, as the Steelmen registered a 2-1 win in the other league game at Celtic Park.

As football fans know, cup fixtures can often result in upsets, and despite the ‘Well going in to tomorrow nights game as underdogs, the manager and players of Motherwell are going in to the match with confidence and belief.

Centre-back Stephen McManus will not only be key to thwarting the danger that Celtic possess going forward, but he also goes up against his former employers.

With the experience the ex-Scottish international has in his locker, his leadership and presence at the back will prove to be vital for new summer signings Ben Heneghan and Richard Tait.

The 33-year-old is assured that the ‘Well can put in a good performance at Parkhead tomorrow night and admitted that playing away from home is always a disadvantage.

But he insists the Steelmen will travel to Glasgow “full of confidence”.

[pullquote]It’s going to be difficult but we’re in good form… we’ll go there full of confidence.[/pullquote]

Speaking to the press this morning, McManus said: “It’s going to be difficult but we’re in good form. When you get drawn in the League Cup you always prefer to be at home, so it’s going to difficult but we’ll go there full of confidence.

“All we can do is give it our best shot and see how we go.”

In the League Cup you always prefer to be at home, so it’s going to difficult but we’ll go there full of confidence.

The 33-year-old spoke about the heavy defeat at the end of last season.

He said: “The last game of the season didn’t have much for us to play for but you still have personal pride.

“As much as you try and sugar-coat it and say that it doesn’t matter, of course it does because as a player you don’t want to be on the receiving end of too many of them.”

[pullquote]For us, we hope we can put in a good showing for ourselves… we know that there’s a chance we can do it tomorrow night. [/pullquote]

He added: “Thankfully there’s been more positive results than negative ones since Mark came in.”

Thankfully there’s been more positive results than negative ones since Mark came in.

On tomorrow’s opposition, the defender claimed the Celtic players will be up for the occasion.

McManus said: “For Celtic the main thing is they have a new manager and this is an opportunity for them to get their mind-set on winning the treble, as a player there that’s what you’re all about.

“For us, we hope we can put in a good showing for ourselves. I’ve been involved in games there where you’re expected to win there and it hasn’t happened so we know that there’s a chance we can do it tomorrow night.”

Tomorrow’s opponents don’t need much of an introduction, having racked up five consecutive league titles and 47 in their 128-year history.

Under new manager Brendan Rodgers, the future of the club will most likely continue on that successful trend.

The ex-Liverpool manager was appointed in the summer and has enjoyed a successful start to life north of the border; progressing in the Champions League qualifiers and adding a number of high-profile additions.

Moussa Dembele signed from Fulham, Kolo Toure joined on a free after leaving Liverpool and, most recently, Scott Sinclair signed from Aston Villa.

And it is perhaps the arrival of Sinclair that has made the biggest statement for the club.

The Englishman is a big coup for the Scottish Champions, having enjoyed spells with Manchester City, Chelsea and Swansea – where he worked under Rodgers.

And the 27-year-old made a big impression on his debut, scoring the winner against Hearts in the opening game of the season.

Add those three players to an already strong squad including last season’s top league scorer Leigh Griffiths, and the Hoops pose an obvious threat to the Fir Parkers.

But manager Mark McGhee is both excited as well as nervous for the cup clash.

[pullquote]They rely on those players to play well in that system and they do have good players who are playing well so we can see that it’s going to be a difficult game.[/pullquote]

He said: “I’m excited and nervous too – last time we went to Parkhead we got absolutely hammered, but we also know that we went there last season and won.

“I would imagine that our performance tomorrow night will be much more reminiscent of the first game rather than the last game because the last game was a bit different.”

He added: “We have to go there and expect a very difficult game – for me Celtic look slightly different than they did last year where I thought they played a very expansive, sophisticated way; whereas this year looks a lot more like the way we play, except they do it with really good players.

“They rely on those players to play well in that system and they do have good players who are playing well so we can see that it’s going to be a difficult game.”

Motherwell’s U13s girls have returned from a historic European trip – where they were runners up in the Norway Cup.

The tournament, which has been running since 1972, is an annual competition which is competed by over 3,000 teams from across the globe.

The seven-a-side ‘Well girls team, which even included 10 year-olds, managed to pry the second placed trophy away from a Norweigan side for the first time in its 44-year history.

And the achievement, which has been congratulated by nations from across the globe, has left coach Linda Gibson feeling “emotional” and “over the moon”.

She said: “Once we made it out of our group I had to inspire the girls so I said to them, ‘look at how you girls are faring against these teams – they are 13, 14 and 15 years-old and you are 10, 11 and 12’.

“We set a target of the quarter-finals, which would mean we’d reached three quarter-finals this season, and when we got to the last sixteen we were all so nervous because we were so close to achieving our aim.

[pullquote]When we won that game to get us to the quarter-finals it was incredibly emotional – parents were crying, the girls were crying and I was too.[/pullquote]

“When we won that game to get us to the quarter-finals it was incredibly emotional – parents were crying, the girls were crying and I was too.”

She added: “The response from the media back here was amazing, we had people from the SFA phoning us, wishing us all the best and congratulating us, the Motherwell first team showed their support too and that sort of response really spurred the girls on.”

The quarterfinal went all the way to golden goal, and looked like it was heading to penalties as well, but with two minutes remaining, Jenna Woods ran the length of the park and hit a low strike past the keeper from a tight angle to send the team through to the semi-final and her coach and all of the parents in to elation.

Linda said: “There was a pitch invasion – we all just ran on to the park and piled up on each other.

“Tears were flowing but I tried my best to stay strong in front of the girls so I went and hid behind a tree to phone home and tell them the news: we had reached the semi-final.

“It was so overwhelming and so emotional.”

[pullquote]There was a pitch invasion – we all just ran on to the park and piled up on each other. It was so overwhelming and so emotional.[/pullquote]

Those feelings continued for Linda and her team though, as they dominated the match and progressed to the final with consummate ease.

Linda said: “The parents were the extra player on that park – singing their hearts out at every game, waving flags and everything.

“Their support really did play a huge part in pushing the girls that extra bit more.”

Upon reaching the final, the sense of pride and joy was tangible among the group and among the travelling parents, but Linda added that the girls spirit and personality was infectious to everyone.

She said: “They were singing and chanting Motherwell songs wherever they went.

“Locals and tourists would take pictures and videos of them because they just took such an atmosphere with them wherever they went.”

The final ended in heart-breaking fashion for the girls, who were just five minutes away from being crowned joint champions.

[pullquote]Out of the thousands and thousands of girls who competed, it’s amazing to say that my group were among the top 20 in the competition.[/pullquote]

But Linda was not disheartened, as the sheer joy of an incredible week overshadowed the final match.

The coach said: “Out of the thousands and thousands of girls who competed, it’s amazing to say that my group were among the top 20 in the competition.

“It was just the most emotional journey and I cannot put in to words how proud I am of everyone who was there.”

But it wasn’t just those who travelled, with Linda adding that the support of the Motherwell Community Trust has been a huge difference.

“It’s testament to the support from the Community Trust General Manager Dawn Middleton that we achieved what we did.

“Her backing of the girls football and her support has really made a huge difference since she arrived – the work of the trust and the help from Dawn, even in such a short time, has really pushed us to the next level.

“I just hope this emotional, roller-coaster of a journey doesn’t slow down any time soon.”

Centre-back Stephen McManus is assured that the ‘Well can put in a good performance at Parkhead tomorrow night.

The ex-Celtic player admitted that playing away from home is always a disadvantage, but insists the Steelmen will travel to Glasgow “full of confidence”.

Speaking to the press this morning, McManus said: “We’re in good form but when you get drawn in the League Cup you always prefer to be at home, so it’s going to difficult but we’ll go there full of confidence.

“All we can do is give it our best shot and see how we go.”

[pullquote]In the League Cup you always prefer to be at home, so it’s going to difficult but we’ll go there full of confidence.[/pullquote]

The 33-year-old spoke about the heavy defeat at the end of last season.

He said: “The last game of the season didn’t have much for us to play for but you still have personal pride.

“As much as you try and sugar-coat it and say that it doesn’t matter, of course it does because as a player you don’t want to be on the receiving end of too many of them.”

He added: “Thankfully there’s been more positive results than negative ones since Mark came in.”

[pullquote]Thankfully there’s been more positive results than negative ones since Mark came in.[/pullquote]

On tomorrow’s opposition, the defender claimed the Celtic players will be up for the occasion.

McManus said: “For Celtic the main thing is they have a new manager and this is an opportunity for them to get their mind-set on winning the treble, as a player there that’s what you’re all about.

“For us, we hope we can put in a good showing for ourselves. I’ve been involved in games there where you’re expected to win there and it hasn’t happened so we know that there’s a chance we can do it tomorrow night.”