Motherwell

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou insists not finishing fourth in the Scottish Premiership would be as big a disappointment for his club as it would be for Hearts if they don't win the title.

The Dane insists his side are focused on the "massive" achievement of securing fourth place and European football next season, and are not interested in being "kingmakers" or getting in the way of other clubs' ambitions.

Victory over Derek McInnes' men on Saturday evening would almost certainly mean Hibernian could not catch the Fir Park side in the race to secure a European place, and would be Motherwell's latest say in the title race after recently beating Rangers at Ibrox.

"I know there's been a lot of talk about now we play against teams who have a lot of pressure on them and they can win the title," Askou said.

"We're also in for a big thing for us.

"It will be an equally big disappointment for us as it is for Hearts if they don't finish on top now after they've been there for so long, we've been in this position for so long, we're so close.

"It is a massive achievement for us if we can keep this position in the league, and especially by securing it, winning against possibly the coming champions either on Saturday or the next game.

"We beat another title contender a few weeks back and now it's an opportunity to do that again. We cannot wait to give our best."

Despite their recent Ibrox triumph and posing a challenge to Hearts' title bid, Askou has no interest in being the supposed kingmakers in the title race.

"It's about us, I've said that many times," he said.

"We're not dreaming of becoming kingmakers or in this for getting in the way of other people.

"We want to leave as many teams under us and behind us in the league table to end up in a position where we achieve something massive and that is massive for us if we can.

"On top of a very interesting, exciting and developing season for us as a club, to also clinch a position and hang on to a position and end in a position that gives us some extra journeys after the summer."

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before Motherwell host Premiership leaders Hearts on Saturday evening.

Here are the key points:

• Askou insists if Motherwell don't secure the "massive achievement" of fourth place it would be "an equally big disappointment for us as it is for Hearts if they don't finish on top now after they've been there for so long".

• The Dane, whose side can all but clinch fourth with victory on Saturday, adds: "We're not dreaming of becoming kingmakers or in this for getting in the way of other people. We want to leave as many teams behind us in the league table to end up in a position where we achieve something massive."

• Motherwell have yet to beat Hearts this season but ran them close in each meeting, taking two draws and then leading at Tynecastle before succumbing to a 3-1 loss. Askou says: "We play some really tight and intense games against Hearts. We haven't come out on top with three points yet but we've been very, very close in all three games and we can't wait to really reach out for that opportunity when it comes on Saturday again."

• Only Falkirk have defeated Motherwell at Fir Park this season, with the manager pointing to set-pieces as being key against a Hearts team that use that as one of their strengths.

• Askou insists "it's not that complicated" keeping players focused despite the speculation over interest from other clubs. The Dane says if his team do secure fourth, he can "guarantee" they will still give their all to win the remaining games.

• There are no new injury concerns, with Johnny Koutroumbis benefiting from an extra week of training.

Celtic continue to scout Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just and had the 26-year-old New Zealand international watched in action against Falkirk on Saturday as they weigh up a summer bid. (Scottish Sun), external

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says European football would help attract better quality players to the club - and keep existing ones at Fir Park amid interest in attackers Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just. (The Scotsman), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Falkirk, Falkirk, Falkirk.

Out of all the teams I thought we would pick up only one point from 12 against, I didn't expect it to be the newest arrivals in the league.

I have to applaud them for their success - they have found us out in almost every game this season. We weren't at our best, but it is not the end of the world.

It was unfortunate that Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just missed out on the PFA player of the year award, but losing it to Claudio Braga from Hearts is something I can live with.

We now need to turn our attention to the real tests coming our way, with Braga's Hearts visiting Fir Park on Saturday before Celtic arrive next midweek.

It feels impossible at the moment to provide any insight into our remaining games without looking at the wider picture in the league.

I will feel slightly guilty if us taking points off Hearts is what hands Celtic the title; however, putting as much distance as possible between us and Hibs is the priority.

We are fortunate that Hibs play Falkirk this weekend, and with a bit of luck it will end in a draw - or even better, a Hibs defeat.

That would take some pressure off us going into the final game of the season at Easter Road.

Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Motherwell's wastefulness in another defeat to Falkirk.

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Watch the best of the action as Falkirk boost their European hopes with a third win over Motherwell this season. Available to UK users only.

Motherwell fans, we asked for your views on the 1-0 loss to Falkirk on Saturday. Here's a taste of what you had to say...

Alan: Falkirk seem to be our bogey team and we have failed to capitalise on many opportunities we have had against them. However, we continue to play attractive competitive football which is pleasing to the eye and in the completion of number of points taken.

Let's take all of the positives from the season - the solid defence, the creative midfield, the resilience in attack, alongside the brilliance of individual players across the season - and show Hearts what we are capable of.

Taylor: Fair play to Falkirk, they've had our number this season and were the better team. Been saying since March that Tawanda Maswanhise should be dropped, showed nothing today and doesn't even to be considered for Player of the Year with how poor he's been since returning from AFCON.

Stuart: No big surprise after the heroics at Ibrox. The team worked hard but sadly thought Falkirk deserved the win. The team have been really good and just need to pick themselves up for Hearts.

Falkirk completed an unbeaten campaign against Motherwell and closed in on fifth place as substitute Henry Cartwright converted to seal a Scottish Premiership victory.

Read the full match report here

Have your say on the game via this link

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "Disappointed about the outcome, disappointed about some of the moments in the performance.

"I think it was an extremely open game in the first half, maybe more open than either team would have wanted.

"It gave us all the moments and opportunities for our attacking players to create big chances and score goals we could have wished for but it also gave them too much. Neither team was able to produce enough quality until they finally scored then I think we took control for most of the game in the second.

"We had our moments and opportunities but not enough big ones. The intent to really try and take control of the game, especially in the second half, was there. We did our best but our best just wasn't good enough today."

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Falkirk have Filip Lissah back but Dylan Tait is a doubt, while Scott Bain (ankle) and Liam Henderson (hamstring) remain out.

Louie Marsh and Ethan Williams (both thigh) are out for the season.

Motherwell defender Stephen Welsh has recovered from the knock that forced him off at Rangers while Johnny Koutroumbis could make a comeback.

Eythor Bjorgolfsson is unlikely to return this season along with Zach Robinson, although the latter has made a partial return to training after 18 months out.

Jack Herrall
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking to the media before his side's trip to face Falkirk this weekend.

Here are the key points from his press conference:

• Askou says his side's win against Rangers "was a good indicator of where we feel we are and where we want to be as a club right now, leading into the last part of the season". He says it has been "easier to find some smiles in the squad" after their win, despite performing well at Tynecastle and losing.

• "I think we're in a good place and just extremely excited to go out and compete," he adds.

• On not being nominated for PFA Scotland manager of the year, Askou says: "I want to obviously say that I think Derek [McInnes], John [MGlynn] and Gary [Naysmith] really deserve the recognition and the praise because of what they've been able to do."

• He adds: "I think it's very cool that a manager from not necessarily the top league also gets some recognition, and I think Derek's results and where Hearts are right now speaks for itself."

• Askou focused on club and personal achievements instead of individual accolades: "Then it's about creating excitement among the fans and I think we've been very successful with both parts. And I have also been blessed with getting myself the best and most wonderful wife I could dream of, and those things are what really matter to me."

• On Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just being nominated for PFA player of the year, he says it is an important step for the club in their recruitment strategy and admits it will also be beneficial when it comes to selling them as it can "lift their value".

• The Dane adds: "And then it's also something that will increase our ability to attract new players that they can see, they can come here, they can shine in our environment, they can get a lot of praise and attention and then take the next step in their career."

• Askou wants revenge on Falkirk this weekend having lost twice and drawn once with the Bairns this season: "We cannot wait to go to Falkirk tomorrow and get back at them and really make it very, very difficult for them, hopefully not to lose just at least once this season."

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• Motherwell left-back Emmanuel Longelo has scored eight times in the Scottish Premiership this season, the most non-penalty goals by a defender in a single campaign in the competition since James Tavernier in 2022-23 (also 8). No defender on Opta record (from 2005-06) has netted more (excluding penalties) in a Scottish top-flight season.

• Falkirk are unbeaten in five league meetings with Motherwell (D3 L2) since a 1-0 defeat in October 2009.

• Motherwell are winless in six league visits to Falkirk (D3 L3), scoring just one goal in that run since a 2-1 victory in February 2007.

• Falkirk have lost their past two league games but are yet to lose three in succession this season, last doing so in the top flight in March 2010.

• Motherwell have conceded two or more goals in five of their past six league games, as many as the previous 32 combined. Their 13 goals conceded in this time are more than their previous 24 Scottish Premiership matches prior (12).

Motherwell's Elijah Just has addressed speculation linking him with a move to Celtic, saying saying he doesn't "want to hear about anything" until he is finished playing in the World Cup with New Zealand this summer. (The Celtic Way), external

Read Thursday's Scottish football gossip

Motherwell's Elijah Just says a "really special" debut season in Scotland has gone above and beyond his own personal expectations.

The attacking midfielder has been nominated for PFA Scotland's Premiership player of the year award alongside team-mate Tawanda Maswanhise and Hearts duo Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland.

READ MORE: Just's rise from Austrian second tier to Premiership standout

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Hearts and Motherwell dominate the PFA Scotland Premiership player of the year shortlist - but who can feel unfortunate to miss out?

Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland plus Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just and attacker Tawanda Maswanhise are the quartet vying for the award.

"Motherwell's Elliot Watt, I think he'll feel a bit hard done by and unlucky," said The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I think he's been excellent, just a revelation.

"And he is one you would imagine other clubs will be taking a close look at because you go back to this issue about Benjamin Nygren, for example, or Nicolas Raskin. They float in and out, they influence some games. They don't control games consistently in a way I think that Watt has in midfield.

"[Hearts'] Harry Milne has also had a really good season. He's been pretty consistent all over the piece, but I don't think you can have any real major complaints about the four.

"They've got it just about right."

We asked for your thoughts on who should win PFA Scotland's player of the year with Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just both making the shortlist.

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: Both Just and Maswanhise deserve it. If I was being biased I would have Elliot Watt nominated over Lawrence Shankland, but all four players have been exceptional this season. All thanks to Jens Berthel Askou for making it possible! Hope Just goes on to win it - he is a top-class player.

Grant: Maswanhise has scored the goals but for me the player of the season has to be Just. When I first saw him I thought he was too small in height and stature to do well in Scotland's top league but he hasn't half proved me wrong. Magnificent player for us, he can and will go on to bigger and better things.

James: I have been following Motherwell for 70 years and this has been the most enjoyable season I can remember. What a team Jens has put together, I only hope the board can do everything to keep Jens and most of the players for next season.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Sound the buzzers - the slump is officially over.

I did not think it would be Rangers away that would rescue our form. However, in retrospect I should have seen it coming with our recent results there.

To have beaten Rangers and drawn with them twice, only losing to Hearts once while also beating Celtic at home, is it a surprise we are being nominated for so many rewards?

Five Motherwell players were named in the PFA Scotland team of the year and now Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise make up half of the shortlist for Premiership player of the year. It speaks volumes about Motherwell's season.

People are quick to speculate what the title race will mean for Hearts, Rangers and Celtic and if this season has been a glitch in the matrix or not, but if anything it shows with the right resources the giants can be toppled.

In my 23 years on this planet, I cannot remember a time Motherwell were held in such high regard as they are now.

Season-ticket sales are at their highest in years while multiple sold-out away ends also highlight the true sense of excitement and belief about the club and the future.

A win this weekend against Falkirk is essential since we then host Celtic and Hearts.

European football may not be officially confirmed yet but it's best to look out the passports and beach towels in preparation.

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Tawanda Maswanhise says playing European football is the next step in his career, but he has not ruled out that happening at Motherwell.

The Fir Park side currently hold a healthy advantage in fourth spot, with just four Scottish Premiership games remaining.

Fourth place would secure the Lanarkshire club a place in next season's Conference League qualifiers.

Motherwell rejected transfer interest in Maswanhise, who is the Premiership's top scorer with 17 goals, during the winter window.

And now the Zimbabwe international has been nominated alongside team-mate Elijah Just and Hearts pair Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga for this season's PFA Scotland Premiership player of the year prize.

On his future, the 23-year-old said: "My agent is there for you guys to speak to. I want to play European football.

"Motherwell are currently in a European position for next season, so hopefully it's a good European journey."

Despite speculation surrounding manager Jens Berthel Askou and some of Maswanhise's team-mates, the Leicester youth product also hopes the team is not pulled apart at the end of this campaign.

"I hope not, because this is an excellent team," he added. "I wish there were more games for me to play. I just want to play every Saturday, whether I'm scoring or not."

ARE HEARTS DESTINED TO WIN THE TITLE? 🏆

It was a seismic weekend in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership crown. Are you rejoicing, are you quietly optimistic, or are you chucking it?

Join the debate with Ray Bradshaw at 18:00 BST TONIGHT on the BBC Sport Scottish Football YouTube channel, external to give us your views in the chat. The show is fully interactive, so have your say.

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Motherwell pair Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just have been recognised for their stellar seasons by being shortlisted for PFA Scotland's Premiership player of the year.

Maswanhise has been deployed as a centre-forward for much of this campaign by manager Jens Berthel Askou and has gone on to score 17 times in the league, making him the division's top scorer.

Just, meanwhile, has also been integral to the Fir Park side's brave and expansive style of play, contributing to 15 goals from attacking midfield, scoring seven times while setting up another eight.

The last Motherwell player to claim the prize was Michael Higdon for his free-scoring season in 2012-13.

"This season, Elijah and Tawanda have been standout players not just for us but for the entire Scottish Premiership," manager Askou said.

"Taking their journey from last season into consideration, it wasn't obvious the impact they'd have in the league this season, and it makes me very happy on their behalf to see them being voted into the PFA's team of the year alongside three of their team-mates and getting the recognition they deserve from their competitors.

"Both being nominated for player of the year on top of that is another huge acknowledgement of their hard work and something for them as well as their team-mates to be extremely proud of."

With the duo nominated alongside Hearts attackers Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga, who are you backing to claim the award and why? Send us your thoughts.

Watch Motherwell legend James McFadden and former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson analyse a sensational first-half performance from Jens Berthel Askou's side in their 3-2 win at Ibrox on Sunday.

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