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Tom Hateley hopes ‘Well can maintain their recent good run of form and put daylight between the Steelmen and the chasing pack.

Stuart McCall’s side sit just ahead of a cluster of clubs all battling for a spot in the top-six, including tomorrow’s opponents Aberdeen.

In what has been the tightest battle for the top half the SPL has ever seen, every point in precious as clubs battle each other with the split just weeks away.

23-year old Hateley has played 169 times in Claret and Amber but reckons the next few matches are amongst the most important in his four years at Fir Park.

[pullquote]We have worked hard all season, worked ourselves into a decent position so there’s a real determination to go on and finish the job.[/pullquote]

He told the broadcast press at Motherwell’s weekly news conference: “We are optimistic going into tomorrow’s match; we have had two good results beating Celtic at Fir Park and Hearts at Tynecastle.

“As always, we have approached this match with confidence and the aim is very much to try and get the three points and put distance between ourselves and the clubs behind us.

“We are still aiming for second, I am sure everyone in that pack have one eye on it. We have worked hard all season, worked ourselves into a decent position so there’s a real determination to go on and finish the job.

“We do face a difficult match against Aberdeen though; twice we’ve been up there and twice we’ve drawn late on. It’s a horrible feeling and there’s a willingness amongst the players to put that right if we can.

“They are a good side and have some excellent players. McGinn has been in tremendous form and Pittodrie is always a difficult place to play football.

“We have got to take care of ourselves though, prepare right and hopefully our quality going forward can do enough to win us the game.”

-WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW ONLY ON MFC TV-

Darren Randolph has been called-up by the Republic of Ireland for their 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Austria.

Randolph, who won his first cap earlier this season as a second-half substitute against Oman in London, is part of the provisional 29-man squad that will be shortened to 23 at some point next week.

The 25-year old has been outstanding for the Steelmen since joining in the summer of 2010, racking up 128 appearances in that time. He broke the clubs’ clean sheet record in his first season, with an incredible 19 shutouts.

The former Charlton stopper has been capped at every International level and will battle Kieren Westwood of Sunderland and David Forde of Millwall for the number one jersey.

The Republic take on Sweden on March 22^nd in the Friends Arena, Stockholm before returning to home soil to face Austria at the Aviva on the 26^th March.

Giovanni Trapattoni said: “Last month’s friendly game against Poland was a great opportunity to work with younger players, and I saw a lot of potential from them.

“We played very well during the game, and I intend on building from that performance this month. These two games against Sweden and Austria are very important, and we are focused on the task in hand.

“I am confident that these players can work together to produce the results we need. Sweden and Austria are two very strong teams, who have done very well in Group C to date.

“However, I believe that our players have the mentality and attitude necessary to qualify. I am looking forward to assembling the squad on March 17.”

Referee for Saturday’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash with Aberdeen at Pittodrie is Kevin Clancy.

It will be the second Motherwell match the 29-year old has taken charge of this campaign, his previous being the 2-1 away win at Dundee with Michael Higdon bagging a double.

His only other match in charge of the Steelmen came in last season’s Scottish Cup, where he was the man in the middle as Stuart McCall’s men demolished Queen’s Park 4-0, with a certain Henrik Ojamaa smashing home a debut goal.

Saturday will be the first time Kevin has officiated at Pittodrie at senior level, or even handled an Aberdeen match.

He has been busy this campaign though, including some high profile matches including Celtic’s recent 5-0 win over Dundee at Celtic Park, Spain U17s wins against Poland and Azerbaijan and the UEFA Europa League qualifier between Inter Baku and JK Trans Narva of Estonia.

He has been in action at Dens Park, Easter Road, Celtic Park, St Mirren Park and The Caledonian Stadium in the SPL this season, as well as seven SFL1 matches, The Scottish Cup tie between Falkirk and Forfar and the Scottish Communities League Cup tie at McDiarmid Park as St Johnstone entertained Queen’s Park.

Kevin will be ably assisted by Graham Chambers and Stuart Stevenson with Andrew Dallas on fourth official duties.

Under 15s forward Liam Runciman has been included in the Scotland squad for an International tournament in Bruno di Marchi, Italy.

Runciman has been training with the Scotland set-up since May last year and will now head out to Italy next week to take on Germany, Russia and Italy.

Runciman’s team-mates Dylan McLauchlin, Ryan Watters and Lewis Clark are all involved with the Scotland Development squad and Academy Director Gordon Young is delighted the clubs’ talent is being recognised.

He said: “Liam is just the next in a long line of Motherwell youths who regularly represent the club at Scotland International level.

“It highlights some of the excellent work carried out by our scouts and coaches at the Academy.

“We are providing the best possible environment for young players in Lanarkshire and beyond as we strive to unearth talent for our first-team.”

Motherwell FC is on the look out for a capable and willing volunteer to take over the Kit Coordinator role for our Elite Academy.

Whilst the role is not paid, a Season Ticket would be allocated for the duration.

Reporting to the Academy Director, the key tasks are:

• Collect kit from the clubs’ Elite Academy based at Braidhurst and return it to Fir Park.
• Wash and prepare all playing kit at Fir Park in preparation for forthcoming matches.
• Ensure playing kit is in good condition and report any replacements to the Academy Director.

As the role requires the transportation of kit from the Academy to Fir Park, a driving license is essential.

If you are interest, please email our Football Administrator on karen.paterson@motherwellfc.co.uk or call 01698 338019.

Under 20s winger Josh Watt has joined First Division side Raith Rovers on loan until the end of the season.

It’s the second time Watt has been farmed out this season, having previously spent time with Airdrie United over the winter months.

He made his debut for the Kirkcaldy side last night, a second half substitute in a 1-1 draw away to Falkirk.

Meanwhile, young striker Craig Moore has had his loan at Cowdenbeath extended until the end of the current season.

Moore has impressed at the Blue Brazil, rescuing a point with a last minute leveler away to Dumbarton last weekend.

It could have been three goals to his name so far but a double against title-chasers Partick Thistle last week was ruled out when the match was abandoned due to heavy fog.

Steven Hetherington’s loan at Airdrie United ends this Monday but it is possible that may be extended further.

Also moving on is Dominic Green, who has joined Partick Thistle on loan until the end of the campaign.

Steven Hammell’s Testimonial Dinner at the Stratchlyde Hilton is fast selling out, and is sure to be a great night in honour of one of Motherwell’s most loyal servants.

It promises to be a star-studded affair on Saturday 23rd March with appearances from a number of well-known faces, two fantastic speakers in Tosh McKinley and Willie Young and an excellent meal served in a fantastic venue.

There are still a few tickets remaining priced at £50, and they can be secured by calling David on 07985 535525, or emailing hammelltestimonial@gmail.com.

Motherwell FC have big plans to play in the Scottish Women’s Premier League and develop a robust player pathway that will allow us to realise our ambitions sooner than later.

To do this we are prepared to put our money where our mouth is and make all girls and ladies football completely free of charge.

Yes you read it right – free football for girls and ladies.

To get to where we want to be, initially, we need players for our Under 9 and Under 11 squads and quality coaches who will not only match our commitment to the development of our girls teams but also Girls and Ladies football in general

Interested?? Hopefully you are!

If you join us as a player this means:

• NO monthly subscription
• FREE training kit
• FREE Motherwell FC player kit

If you join us as a coach this will mean:

• FREE Training kit and coaches uniform
• FANTASTIC coach education opportunities through to Uefa B Licence
• The opportunity to become a paid coach

We have recently achieved the Scottish FA’s Quality Mark at Community Club Level and we have fantastic facilities including a recently upgraded 3G astro pitch, a games hall, and gym.

Our FREE football initiative is sponsored by North Lanarkshire Council Child Protection Committee.

For more information or to book your place, email our Community Trust on community@motherwellfc.co.uk or telephone 01698 239 926!

It is time for you to decide who you think deserves to win the Cash Converters Player of the Month for January / February.

Every month this season, Cash Converters will be giving you the opportunity to present your Motherwell Player of the Month with their trophy, and now is your chance to vote for who you think deserves to receive January and February’s award.

All you need to do is vote for which ‘Well player you think has been the stand-out performer for the first few months of 2013 and, if you are correct, you could be chosen at random from all entries received, to congratulate our star man in person at Fir Park ahead of the next home fixture.

To cast your vote, simply visit our SPL Facebook page, or by CLICKING HERE.

The link will also give you the opportunity to enter the draw to take part in the next Convert for Cash, and the chance to sit in the dugout at Fir Park.

For the January and February Player of the Month – VOTE HERE.

Shaun Hutchinson will miss this Saturday’s trip to Pittodrie after collecting his sixth booking of the campaign.

Hutchinson’s caution at Ross County tipped him over the disciplinary threshold and he will be forced to sit out this weekend’s match with Aberdeen.

Fraser Kerr, Steven Saunders, Simon Ramsden and Euan Murray will all be in contention to fill his spot at centre back.

Tickets for the Pittodrie clash are available on the turnstiles priced at:

• Concessions are listed as Over 60s and Full Time Students with a valid matriculation card.
• Fans who require wheelchair access should contact Sharon or John McCaskie on 01555 870122 or email disabledfans@motherwellfc.co.uk.