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We have four international players heading away on international duty this week, here’s where they are heading. 

Elijah Just

It’s friendly action for Elijah Just and New Zealand, as they face off against Australia in a double header. The Kiwis will be looking to add to their 13 wins over Australia in A international matches.

The first match takes place in Canberra, with the second game taking place in Aukland.

• Australia v New Zealand 
• Friday 5 September
• Kick Off 10:45am
• GIO Stadium, Canberra, Australia 

• New Zealand v Australia 
• Tuesday 9 September 
• Kick Off 8am
• Go Media Stadium, Aukland, New Zealand 

Tawanda Maswanhise

Tawanda Maswanhise is in World Cup qualifying action for Zimbabwe, as the Warriors look to make up some ground in their qualifying group.

Zimbabwe are currently bottom of Group C but are well in touch with qualification from the group. Just four points separate second place and Zimbabwe going into matchdays six and seven.

They face Benin first, before taking on Rwanda. Two wins could see Zimbabwe rise to potentially second in the group, and into a qualification spot.

Both Benin and Rwanda are on eight points, with Zimbabwe sitting bottom on four having drawn four of their six qualifying matches.

• Benin v Zimbabwe 
• Friday 5 September 
• 5pm Kick Off
• Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium, Côte d’Ivoire

• Zimbabwe v Rwanda 
• Tuesday 9 September 
• 2pm Kick Off
• Orlando Stadium, South Africa

Oscar Priestman

Having just arrived from Australia last week, Oscar Priestman is back on the road this week with Australia’s Under 23 squad.

The young Aussie’s play all three of their matches in China PR, as they look to qualify for the AFC Under 23 Asian Cup.

They take on Northern Mariana Islands first on Wednesday 3 September, before taking on Timor-Leste on Saturday 6 September.

Australia’s Under 23s round off their jam-packed schedule with their third and final match against China PR on Tuesday 9 September.

To qualify, Australia need to win the group, or be one of the four best runners-up.

• Australia v Northern Mariana Islands
• Wednesday 3 September 2025
• Kick-off 8:30am
• Xi’an Sports Training Centre, Xi’an, China PR

• Australia v Timor-Leste
• Saturday 6 September 2025
• Kick-off 8:30am
• Xi’an Sports Training Centre, Xi’an, China PR

• Australia v China PR
• Tuesday 9 September 2025
• Kick-off 12:35pm
• Xi’an International Football Centre, Xi’an, China PR

Kofi Balmer

Kofi Balmer was a late addition to the Northern Ireland squad, as they kick start their quest to reach the World Cup in 2026 later this week.

Balmer is looking to make his first appearance for the senior national side. They play two games on the road during this international window, taking on Luxembourg first on Thursday 4 September.

They then travel to take on European giants Germany on Sunday 7 September.

• Luxembourg v Northern Ireland 
• Thursday 4 September
• 7:45pm Kick Off
• Luxembourg Stadium, Luxembourg

• Germany v Northern Ireland
• Sunday 7 September 
• Kick Off 7:45pm.
• RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne, Germany

Tickets for our quarter-final clash with Aberdeen are now on sale. 

You can buy online by clicking here.

Please note that postage will only be on until Monday 15 September at 4pm.

Supporters Buses

We are also running a supporters bus to this match. This is priced at £25.

You can buy your seat online now.

It’s time to vote for your G4 Claims player of the month for August. 

Tawanda Maswanhise, Elijah Just, Emmanuel Longelo and Lukas Fadinger are all up for nomination.

To vote, head over to the Motherwell Facebook page.

Games in September

• Motherwell 1-1 Rangers
• St Mirren 0-0 Motherwell 
• St Johnstone 0-1 Motherwell
• Hearts 3-3 Motherwell
• Motherwell 2-2 Kilmarnock

Stephen Welsh has joined on a season-long loan deal from Celtic. 

The 25-year-old makes the short trip from Parkhead to North Lanarkshire following a loan spell in Belgium last season. Welsh becomes our 12th signing of the summer window.

“We are delighted to announce the signing of Stephen Welsh, our final addition of the summer transfer window,” Jens Berthel Askou said.

“Stephen joins us following a successful loan spell with Belgian top-flight side KV Mechelen, where he gained valuable experience at a very competitive level.

“Being comfortable and composed in possession, while also confident and reliable when defending big areas, Stephen possesses the traits we are looking for in a modern centre-back.

“Having featured regularly for Celtic’s first team, both in domestic competitions and on the European stage, Stephen adds quality, experience and even more competition to the squad.”

Welsh came through the academy at Celtic and progressed through the ranks at an impressive rate. He joined Greenock Morton on loan in 2019, where he built his initial first-team minutes. Initially a season-long loan deal, Welsh was recalled early from his time at Cappielow Park midway through the season.

Four weeks later, he made his Celtic first-team debut against Hamilton Accies in February 2020. From there, his experience in the first-team at Parkhead grew.

Welsh scored his first Celtic goal against Motherwell back in 2021. He has played 68 games for Celtic and was most recently on loan with Mechelen in the Belgian top-flight, where he featured 17 times from January 2025 until the end of the season.

The centre-back brings a wealth of experience, having played in the Belgian and Scottish top-flights, Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference League.

Welsh has also represented Scotland at various youth levels, most recently playing for the Under 21 side in 2022, where he was named captain.

“I’m looking forward to this next chapter,” Stephen Welsh explained.

“I have substantial experience in this division and feel I can really add to the project here. The squad have made a great start to the season, and the mood is positive.

“It’s good that I now have two weeks of training, where I can get familiar with how the team plays before the first game against Dundee.”

Welsh will wear the number 57 shirt this season.

With one game before the first international break of the season, Motherwell were still on the hunt for their first win of the Premiership season. 

Jens Berthel Askou’s men were still undefeated going into the match against Kilmarnock but were keen to go one step further and secure the first three points.

The start was far from ideal, however, with Kilmarnock opening the scoring at Fir Park.

The squad rallied, however, and just on the cusp of half time, Tawanda Maswanhise netted a leveller, the Zimbabwean’s second goal in as many matches.

Fir Park was re-energised at the start of the second-half, and the Steelmen went on the hunt for the second goal. And it arrived through Emmanuel Longelo, who volleyed into the bottom corner for his third league goal in four matches.

The good work would come undone, however, in the closing stages, when Kilmarnock scored a second from close range with very little time remaining.

In the end, there was nothing to separate the two sides on the scoreline. But on the pitch, it was Motherwell who left more disappointed, but the mood in ML1 remains positive, with a trip to Dundee up next.

Ticket pricing  for our Premier Sports Cup quarter-final match against Aberdeen is now confirmed. 

Prices

Tickets will be on sale shortly.

Supporters Buses

We are also running a supporters bus to this match. This is priced at £25.

You can buy your seat online now.

It transpired to be a frustrating evening for the women of steel, as their second matchday on the road ended in defeat, as hosts Rangers narrowly received all three-points with a closely-fought 2-1 victory at Broadwood Stadium on Sunday. 

Paul Brownlie named five changes to the side that were defeated by Montrose at K-Park last weekend. Goalkeeper Rebecca Cameron, Skipper Gill Inglis, Mason Clark, Orla Burn and Tegan Browning all received a place in the starting XI, with Emma Thomson, Shannon Leishman, and Kodie Hay all settling for a place on the bench. Rangers loanees Lily Boyce and Sophie Black both remained unavailable to play against their parent club. Defender Jo Addie also returned to the matchday squad.

Academy graduates Hannah Cairns and Teoni Steele both maintained their place amongst the substitutes.

Motherwell headed to Cumbernauld determined to overcome their recent frailties against Rangers, with the Gers securing back-to-back victories in the top-six last season.

Despite showcasing a robust defensive display in the first-half, the hosts soon found the breakthrough in controversial circumstances. Defender Chelsie Watson contested an aerial challenge, with the centre-half receiving a painful knock to the head, leaving the 29-year-old on the Broadwood turf. Despite expecting the referee to halt the game, Rangers played on and capitalised, with Brogan Hay converting shortly before the half-hour mark.

Rangers doubled their advantage in the second-half, with Kirsty Howat seamlessly breaking through the Motherwell backline before dispatching her strike into the bottom-left corner.

Motherwell rallied together, and narrowed the deficit in the latter stages of the game. Substitute Kodie Hay capitalised on a mistake in the Rangers backline before teeing up striker Carla Boyce at the edge of the penalty area, and the experienced forward reopened her Motherwell account with a composed finish past Jenna Fife.

Motherwell’s goal instilled a nervousness in the Rangers defence, and with less than a minute left, the visitors came agonisingly close to an equaliser. Academy graduate Teoni Steele was hauled down at the edge of the Rangers box after breaking through one-on-one with Fife in the Rangers goal. Despite the clear contact, play carried on much to the complete bewilderment of the Motherwell technical area.

Paul Brownlie’s side will head back to ML1 frustrated, but motivated by their spirited display over title-chasers Rangers, as they prepare to face Hamilton in the first Lanarkshire derby of the latest SWPL campaign.

Motherwell FC

Cameron (GK), Inglis, Browning, Watson, Burn, Bulloch, Ronald, Clark, Collins, Rice, C. Boyce.

Subs 

Thomson (GK), Addie, Hay, Denholm, Cairns (Academy), Steele (Academy).

Motherwell took on Kilmarnock in their final match before the September international break on Saturday afternoon at Fir Park, with the Steelmen drawing 2-2 on the day.

Tawanda Maswanise and Emmanuel Longelo continued their fine goalscoring runs.

Following last week’s near miss against Hearts, there were two changes to the team. Liam Gordon returned to the starting 11 following his injury layoff, with Ibrahim Said also stepping in. Callum Slattery dropped out of the squad, with Kofi Balmer moving to the bench.

New signings Regan Charles-Cook and Oscar Priestman were named amongst the substitutes, as they waited in the wings to make their debuts.

Former Well manager Stuart Kettlewell returned to Fir Park for the first time since his shock departure in January and was boosted by the matchdaysigning of former Ross County defender James Brown.

His side were yet to taste defeat in the Premiership this season also and started the game confidently.

As anticipated, the home side dominated possession for the opening 10 minutes, with Maksymilian Stryjek forced into action blocking Maswanhise’s drive before the ‘keeper eventually claimed Stephen O’Donnell’s dangerous cross.

With so many ‘Well players committed to getting forward, there was always a risk of being caught out at the back.

Former midfielder Liam Polworth posted a warning when he drove narrowly wide, before Killie grabbed the initiative after 19 minutes. A deep run and cross from Brad Lyons sent a teasing ball across the home box, and the unmarked Daniels swept the ball home to give the Ayrshire side the lead.

Motherwell refused to panic or change their approach and almost found an equaliser minutes later. O’Donnell did well to hook the ball back across the box, and Maswanhise’s volley sent the ball narrowly wide.

With Lukas Fadinger and Elliot Watt dominating the midfield, the Fir Park players’ exchanges with the ball were smart and appreciated by the fans without any end product until the final minute of the first half.

A swift and direct breakdownleft involving Emmanuel Longelo, Said and Apostolos Stamatelopoulos.

Ended with his cutbackfinding Said. And when his low shot was partially blocked, Maswanhise was on hand to curl the loose ball high into the net from 12 yards for a deserved equaliser.

The ‘Well fans were still on their feet celebrating the goal and an enterprising first half as the teams headed for the dressing rooms.

Despite being level at the break, Kettlewell made two changes to his side as Killie made a positive start to the second half.

After five minutes, though, they were back to their neat passing game, and a fine move across the box ended with Maswahise having another shot towards goal blocked.

The home side’s perseverance paid off after 62 finally grabbed a second goal.

Elijah Just a decisive pass sent Apostolos Stamatelopoulos racing through. And after his two attempts to test Stryjek were blocked, the ball fell for Longelo, who waited for the ball to drop before lashing home his third goal of the season.

Another two changes from the Killie bench 70 minutes in, desperate to change the pattern of play.

The response was to make a triple change, adding Callum Hendry to the attack while giving new signings Oscar Priestman and Regan Charles-Cook their debut.

However, despite Well’s possession and creative play, the Rugby Park men were still only a goal away from rescuing a point – and the equaliser arrived in the 81st minute.

Lewis Mayo’s high punt towards the home goal was dropped by Ward under his crossbar, and Stanger knocked the ball over the line to make it 2-2.

The Steelmen had one final chance to claim their first league win and all three points, but Hendry blasted his free kick high over, and once again ‘Well were left frustrated.

It could have been worse in the final minute when Ward had to push Marcus Dackers’ header away and deny Kilmarnock stealing all three points.

Motherwell Team: Ward, O’Donnell (88′), Gordon, McGinn, Longelo, Fadinger, Watt (74′), Just (90′), Said (74′), Maswanhise (74′), Stamatelopoulos.

Motherwell Subs: Oxborough, Balmer (90′), Koutroumbis (88′), Halliday, Priestman (74′), Osong, Hendry (74′), Charles-Cook (74′), Ross. 

Jens Berthel Askou gives his thoughts on drawing with Kilmarnock.

Rising through the ranks. Making your mark on every stage. Facing the daunting transition to first-team football. 

A unique, arduous, and emotional journey that countess aspiring talents unfortunately are unable to complete, with those successful typically breaking through in their early twenties.

However, midfielder Orla Burn has resisted that trend, re-writing the history books of women’s football at the club in the process.

Six-months after her 15th-birthday, Burn was called upon for the first-time to represent her parent club Hearts in her first professional appearance against Falkirk in a 9-0 victory in the Scottish Cup.

Her SWPL breakthrough soon followed with Hearts, and Motherwell Head Coach Paul Brownlie attracted the youngster to Lanarkshire, with Burn making her debut against Glasgow City after joining the club on a season-long loan deal in the summer. A substitution that made Burn one of the youngest players to represent the club – eclipsing starlet Lennon Miller by almost a month.

“It was a surreal experience,” Burn said.

“To make my Motherwell debut at 15, I feel incredibly privileged to have my name mentioned alongside someone like Lennon Miller; a fantastic player, who has done so much at such a young age. I’ll be forever proud to have that accolade at Motherwell.

“Paul told me to enjoy every moment of it, showcase what I’m capable of, and try to make an impact on the game. I’m really thankful to Paul and his staff for placing their belief in me.

“It was a really special feeling to represent Motherwell and earn the right to be on the pitch with so many top-level players. The girls in the team have made me feel really welcome and helped to make the moment even more memorable.”

Motherwell’s pathway to first-team football is widely-regarded as one of the most rewarding and successful in the Scottish game.

The women of steel have been central to the development of some of the countries most promising young talent, with Laura Berry, Sophie Black, Mason Clark, Eilidh Austin, Tiree Burchill, Lucy Barclay, Sienna McGoldrick, Brodie Greenwood and Amy Sharkey all coming through the ranks in only the last two-seasons. 

An average age of 17 when making their Motherwell debut, 15-year-old Burn explained why Motherwell was the perfect fit for her development.

“Coming to Motherwell, I was aware of the track record of young players who’d came here and developed their game,” Burn outlined. 

“I’ve seen players, who have been at Motherwell, go on and play full-time professional football and earn places at international level and that’s ultimately what I want to do. To be a full time professional and represent my country at a senior level is something I’ll always aspire to be.

“I wanted to play in the SWPL. I felt ready to make the step from Academy into senior women’s football, and challenge myself at the highest level. I’d been fortunate to train with the Hearts Women’s first-team last season and make my Scottish Cup debut in February and then league debut against Motherwell in May. 

“Paul spoke to me at the end of that game, and I instantly appreciated how positive he was. I really liked his aspirations for the team, where he believed I could contribute, and how Motherwell could support my development. 

“I’d asked players who had previously been at Motherwell, and they all spoke highly about Paul, the coaching staff and the atmosphere at the club. 

“I recognised and understood how much of a leap first-team football could be, but I knew the importance of that experience for myself to develop as a player. I wanted to regularly be around a first-team environment, and when Paul spoke about his interest in bringing me to the club, I knew I wanted to be a part of the squad this season.”

The women of steel have faced a tough start to the 2025/26 SWPL campaign, with a 3-0 defeat to title-chasers Glasgow City before a 1-4 defeat to Montrose at K-Park. Despite the opening frustrations, Burn ensured that there will be plenty of positives for the squad to internalise.

“It was clearly not the scoreline or result we’d envisioned to kickstart the new season,” Burn explained.

“We started really well, and were taking a lot of confidence from the opening 10-minutes, but once the first-goal went in, you could see the disappointment and the shock to the system. We lost our discipline and our shape for 10-15-minutes, and a team of Glasgow’s quality will ultimately capitalise.

“Glasgow City took their chances well, and when you suddenly find yourself 3-0 down after such a positive start, it can sometimes be impossible to get that structure back, but we showed our quality on and off the ball, we kept our heads high, and we had the work ethic to fight till the last minute.

“The Montrose game was incredibly frustrating. It is really disappointing to concede four-goals at home, as we felt the scoreline didn’t reflect our performance. It’s tough because we have had unfortunate injuries, with players having to leave the pitch in both games, but the girls who replaced them did really well to adapt so early in the game.

“The league is going to be close, so every game is essential, but we need to quickly move onto Rangers this weekend and show the quality that we have as a group.

“I know we have the quality to do very well this season. I want to contribute and support the team, as one of my main attributes is covering both halves of the pitch, and creating chances in the final-third. We will continue to work hard in training, and will be ready to compete against everyone in the league.”