weeyin

Like the Livi game, but on grass.

I think you're being a bit harsh, there. He was resting the players that had put in an immense shift two and a half days ago, and who are undoubtedly physically and emotionally spent. A calculated risk that almost paid off. No doubt we'll see the regular starters back for the Israel game. And given that we've been unbeaten in the last 9, losing once is the opposite of "normal service".

Given that they can get him for free in June there is little chance of a big transfer free in the next window. Unless he extends his contract, of course.

Top goalscorer in the Premier League 3 times with 3 different clubs is quite an achievement; especially when 2 of those clubs are ourselves and Dundee.

So Hibs to win in a shoot-out and draw us at home?

Gallagher needs to make sure he gets first team football. The competition is strong for starting spots in Scotland defence right now and Big Dec - who joined the squad as a backup, remember - has grabbed his chance and just got better every game. There are plenty of others breathing down his neck if his form drops. If he ends up with a move, however, where he's not a regular starter then it becomes more of a challenge. On a slightly different note it will be interesting to see how the Scotland team lines up in the next couple of games. Clarke said he'll need to freshen up the personnel for tomorrow's game after the heroics on Thursday. I wonder if that will mean giving the defence a makeover (although, arguably, the back 3 doesn't have to put in as many yards as the rest of the team).

Lampard seems to like Gilmour and was already using him in the Chelsea squad. I know their transfer ban situation changed this season, but if he doesn't remain involved in the squad the most likely Scottish loan destination would be Rangers.

I think it would make sense for Dec and O'Donnell to stay with us until the end of the season, as they are both guaranteed first team football at Fir Park. Unfortunately, that would likely mean they eventually leave for free, but still good pieces of businesses for all parties. If there aren't any offers for Gallagher in the next window, however, the footballing world has lost the plot.

After so many pundits predicting both would be dropped because of the "upgrades" available, it made it even more pleasing to see how well they performed. That kind of loyalty won't go unnoticed by the players in the squad and backs up the "play so well you're too good to drop" philosophy Clarke was talking about.

O'Donnell has the advantage of having been a regular for Clarke when he was at Killie. So even if he moved and didn't get as much game time, I think Clarke would still select him.

It's always been the case that some players step up a gear in the international team and others never seem to reproduce even their club form. Gallagher started strongly in his international career and seems to have got better every game. Shout out to O'Donnell too who again showed why you want a right footed player in his position. And what a great advert for the club. Sign for Motherwell, get a regular international starting slot, qualify for Finals.

Davie Cooper was a Motherwell player when he played in one of the qualifiers for the 1990 World Cup, but he didn't make the squad for the finals.

Credit to Clarke for being loyal to the guys that got him into this position and credit to those guys for digging deep to produce this performance. Dec was immense.

Accies have 2 goals most seasons. 1. Avoid relegation 2. Beat us at least once The derby is a much bigger game to them than it is to us. While it's always good to win (especially when, like me, you lived in Hamilton for about 20 years and a lot of mates as Accies fans), I suspect most fans see wins against teams like Hearts or Aberdeen as more important. Part of that is due to the fact that its only recently we've been in the same league on a semi-regular basis. When I started following Motherwell in the early 70s I don't think we played them until our relegation in the 80s. Plus, of course, the old cliché of "form going out the window" in derbies is true. Our record against them isn't too bad, but they are always going to raise their game.

Aye, this was very much a team in the style of 1970's Ferguson. Niggly wee cheats. His Aberdeen team had much better football players, but still had the niggle.

The punishment should be to have St Mirren make a public statement that we were by far the better team in the '77 Cup game and never being allowed to complain about it again.

I believe that's only required if they want to award a 3 - 0 forfeit to us. All other sanctions, including deduction of points from St Mirren can be imposed without SFA referral. (At least that is what the experts on Sportsound were saying).

In theory, they could deduct points from St Mirren without awarding the game to us. That would punish them without giving us an unearned advantage. However, as I said earlier, I can't see more than a small fine, suspended until the end of the season.

I expect nothing more than a slap on the wrist with a minimal fine, to be suspended.

No need for the exclamation! Arteta has played Tierney as a wing back a few times! Including in FA Cup games last season! For, example in, the Semi! I don't make these things up!!!! !!

And seeded. What a team.

If anyone is going to play wing back it will be Tierney, as he's played there are few times for Arsenal. I can't see Robertson starting anywhere except left back. (But then again, I couldn't see McTominay playing in defence).

So you'd drop Robertson (the captain)?

I've listened to a few pundits on discussing the Scotland line up the past couple of weeks. The majority went for Gallagher with about half wanting McKenna to replace Constantine. Interestingly, the vast majority wanted O'Donnell to start. There's no doubt Gallagher was second choice, but he did exactly what Clarke asked all the backups i.e. make themselves difficult to drop. After that, it's in the hands of Clarke.

The reason the goals we concede look sloppy is because they have better players who take more advantage of their chances. That, plus they generally make more chances. When we are playing Ross County, Livi or even Aberdeen, our mistakes are less harshly punished (and they don't make as many chances). You really need to be switched on for 90 minutes in these games, and we do well during the times that we are. Today, there were too many spells when we were not.