Rickoza

Nick Blackman has put pen to paper on a two and a half year contract with Blackburn Rovers. The striker, who spent the first half of the season on loan to Motherwell, impressed his parent club with his performances in the SPL and has earned a new deal at Ewood Park. The deal puts an end to speculation that Blackman could be sold in the January transfer window and will boost the hopes of Motherwell and Aberdeen, who both hope to take the player on loan. Blackman scored 10 goals in 18 matches for the Steelmen before returning south and new Motherwell manager Stuart McCall has said he believed that, if the forward was allowed out on loan again, he would be heading for Fir Park. Speaking before Blackman’s new contract was announced, McCall said: “I would be confident if he came back to Scotland it would be to Motherwell. "I have spoken to Steve Kean and I've spoken to Nick's agent twice.” However, all of Blackman’s goals for ‘Well were scored under the club’s previous manager Craig Brown, now in charge at Aberdeen. Brown has also said he would like to work with the 21-year old again and said he had made enquiries about taking him on loan at Pittodrie. "I am close friends with Steve Kean and I spoke to him about the possibility of another loan deal for Nick," Brown said in an interview with the Press and Journal last week. "The talks were positive. Steve has a few things to discuss with the player, but he told me we would be in the mix if it came to him going back out on loan. It is then up to Blackman, but I would like to think he enjoyed working with us at Motherwell." Blackburn have not yet said if it is their intention to allow the player to go out on loan. But both SPL clubs will be pressing their case to offer him first team football and hoping to land one of the top performers in the Scottish top flight this season.

Essentially, we are 2nd favourites for the cup. Don't think we were even that in 91!

Riding high in what used to be the Conference, just one step off the Football league. Sitting 6th, just 4 defeats in 24 games and doing very well.

It's certainly interesting to note that Aberdeen fans, and now those of Dundee United, appear to want Blackman. Tough titties if, as McCall says, he comes back North it's only to Fir Park.

Aberdeen v Montrose or Dunfermline Inverness v Morton or Airdrie Hamilton v Dundee Utd or Ross County Stenhousemuir or Threave or Stranraer v Motherwell East Stirling or Buckie Thistle v Queen of the South or Brechin Rangers v Celtic Hibs or Ayr v St Mirren or Peterhead Hearts or St Johnstone v Partick Thistle or Falkirk

Stenhousemuir or Threave or Stranraer v Motherwell [via Twitter]

I'd have Nevin back. If only for that glorious 92nd minute winner that night................

I honestly cannot see McCall changing something that is working. After all, he's barely been there a period of time and saw through one obvious problem.

Jamie Murphy just ahead of Sutts. Dundee couldn't handle them.

Sky weren't half quick in getting away from our game to cover the game at Berwick. No word from either manager at Dens, just constant crap on the "real big game".

Chesney seriouslly needs a Hairdresser. What is that mop all about?

Job done, well done boys. Now across the road.........

Bob McHugh on for Murph. Hammy lucky not to take a serious one there.

Griffiths off. Idiot.

We want five. We want five.........

Oh yeh! 4-0 Murph!

Las off for Fobes. Would love a fourth here..........!

You know, we'll really have to get a tongue-in-cheek smiley............!

Jenno wraps it up!

Never a pen, though again a wee bit slack from us. edit - in saying that, from the other angle, tiny wee shove but it would've been soft. Still, I'd have been shouting for it!

Bit of a rammy there. Higgins booked for being three hours late, but Randolph also booked for a bit of wrestling. Harkins and then Jennings booked. Bit of an edge suddenly developing.

It's also nice to get a wee bit of good fortune as well! Don't be fooled, Motherwell completley deserve this.

Terrific goal. Go on Sutts, get yer hat-trick.

Well done Gordon Smith. Only took you three attempts to get John Sutton's first name right

They've carried a lot of luck defensively so far, some real last-ditch tackles and clearances. Need to get that second, that'd finish this game I feel.