Motherwell

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Jens Berthel Askou says Motherwell will not wait until the end of the window for Stephen Welsh's possible return and are actively working on alternative targets.

Welsh, 26, was recalled by parent club Celtic earlier in January after a string of superb performances at the heart of Motherwell's defence.

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill refused to rule out Welsh returning to Fir Park and the defender's Scottish Cup appearance against Auchinleck Talbot means he cannot join a third club this season.

Askou has already signed striker Eythor Bjorgolfsson to bolster his squad and expects further arrivals.

When asked if there was a timescale for Welsh's potential return, he said: "We do, yes, but not something that I will share here.

"We have a good dialogue with Celtic and with Stephen and his background backroom team, his agent and we'll see where that goes.

"But we hoped that would have been resolved earlier. And obviously, we need to do our work in the background so we don't end up with nothing there.

"There's a situation where we lost a very good centre-back and what's going to happen is uncertain.

"We have a really good dialogue with them, but obviously time is passing and the window is closing and we need to obviously prepare and have something lined up so that's what we are doing to have alternatives there because we can't leave that to the final [day] so we are obviously working really intensively on that.

"And then we're always looking to see if we can make the squad even stronger. So hopefully one or two more before the window is closed."

Sam Nicholson, out since February 2025 with a knee problem, "is almost back in full training" while Andy Halliday is also close to returning from injury.

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou is on the radar of the Celtic board as they search for someone to take over at the end of the season. (Football Insider), external

Thursday's Scottish gossip

Motherwell's Jens Berthel Askou is a potential Celtic managerial target. (Football Insider), external

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Tawanda Maswanhise only needed 92 minutes at the Africa Cup of Nations to be recognised among the tournament's most promising talents.

The Motherwell forward, who won the Scottish Premiership's player of the month for November, received the Afcon accolade despite starting just one of Zimbabwe's three group matches.

After playing only two minutes off the bench in his nation's opening defeat against Egypt, then not featuring at all in a draw with Angola, the 23-year-old delivered a statement performance in a loss to South Africa.

A stunning individual display - scoring a sublime solo goal before playing a key role in a South Africa own goal - was not enough to gain Zimbabwe progression, but his showing in the 3-2 defeat clearly made a mark.

Since his return to Lanarkshire, the former Leicester City youngster has netted in three consecutive games, taking his club tally for the season to 15 in all competitions.

Celtic boss Martin O'Neill watched from the stand as the striker scored the winner for Motherwell in their Scottish Cup win over Ross County on Saturday, intensifying speculation surrounding his future.

Having signed an extension until the summer of 2027 just last August, with the club holding an option of a further year, Maswanhise won't leave cheaply.

"A football mission" was how O'Neill described his Fir Park visit. Motherwell's mission is now holding on to their star attacker as a special season under Jens Berthel Askou bubbles away.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

The double-chasing Steelmen are still in for a chance of a trophy this season now we are through to the fifth round of the Scottish Cup.

The enjoyment from cup games comes from having the chance to play teams you normally wouldn't. That said, our draws so far this season in both competitions have been disappointing.

In the League Cup groups, we played Clyde for the second summer in a row and Greenock Morton, a side we have faced five times in the past seven years across all competitions.

Then we had St Johnstone, who we used to play minimum three times a season, followed by Aberdeen, who again we play three times a year.

So far in the Scottish Cup we have had Ross County (please see above as to why this is disappointing) and Aberdeen again.

When playing in these competitions you want the most unusual team possible, and preferably away from home so you can experience a game and trip you haven't before.

However, I'm pleased we avoided the big Glasgow two, so I can't complain too much, but the lack of variety does make it feel very bland, especially since we'll be playing Aberdeen twice within a week for the second time this season.

Given we're unbeaten - two wins and a draw - against the Dons this campaign, I fancy our chances and don't fear them.

And maybe with a bit of luck, by the time we get to the final it will be against more favourable opposition.

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Rangers are keen on Motherwell winger Tawanda Maswanhise and have initiated preliminary discussions by sounding out the 24-year-old Zimbabwe international's agent. (TeamTalk), external

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Norwegian striker Eythor Bjorgolfsson is determined to make an instant impact at Motherwell after penning a two-and-a-half-year deal at Fir Park.

The 25-year-old has joined the Lanarkshire club following the expiry of his contract at Umea, where he scored 15 goals in 29 games in Sweden's second tier.

The forward could not prevent his former side suffering relegation but netted eight times in his final five matches in an impressive finale to the campaign, which ended in November.

Motherwell have fought off competition to secure a deal for the former Seattle Sounders man, who is keen to hit the ground running.

"Having watched the previous games, the way the team are playing is something I'm excited to be involved in," said Bjorgolfsson.

"There has been so much success here so far this season, and hopefully I can make a quick impact.

"I've met some of the players and walked around the stadium, and you can feel how special a place it is. I hope this is the beginning of a successful chapter for everyone involved."

Despite implementing a successful and attractive brand of football at Motherwell, Jens Berthel Askou's strikers have struggled to nail down a starting spot in his team.

Winger Tawanda Maswanhise has often been deployed in a central role, scoring 10 Scottish Premiership goals this term as Askou's men sit fourth in the table.

The Danish manager revealed a data-led approach attracted the club's recruitment department to their latest signing.

"Watching him extensively, getting really good recommendations through our network in Scandinavia and looking at his standout data, we strongly believe that Eythor will be a valuable and strong addition to the team," said Askou.

"He's taken a different route than most younger Scandinavian talents, but his determination, resilience and steady development have led him to an exciting time in his career.

"We look forward to seeing the output of his physicality and strong presence in the box in combination with our ability to produce chances."

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Esapa Osong has left Motherwell to return to parent club Nottingham Forest.

The striker arrived at Fir Park last summer on a season-long loan deal, which has been cut short.

The 21-year-old struggled for minutes in Lanarkshire, failing to score in 10 appearances.

"Esapa is a lovely young man who has worked hard and curiously since he arrived in the summer," said Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou.

"However, we have assessed that he needs more playing time now to accelerate his development even further."

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Celtic interim boss Martin O'Neill was coy over his reasons for attending Motherwell's Scottish Cup victory against Ross County on Saturday.

O'Neill was pictured alongside assistant coach Mark Fotheringham at Fir Park as Tawanda Maswanhise's 15th goal of the season booked the hosts' place in the last 16.

Social media speculation has suggested the 73-year-old was in attendance to watch the in-form Zimbabwe forward, with the Parkhead side actively pursuing attacking reinforcements this month.

Speaking following Celtic's cup win over Auchinleck Talbot, O'Neill said he remains "very, very hopeful" that the club will start their January transfer activity soon.

And on his weekend trip to Fir Park, he added: "That was a football mission. That's part of my job, to look at the games, if I can get an opportunity.

"We did it after training, so I went there with [Mark] Fotheringham. It was nice. I enjoyed the game."

When asked if he was actively looking at the Scottish market, O'Neill said: "I think absolutely there are players here. There's no doubt at all about it.

"There are players here that are capable of playing, I think, at a higher level."

Goalkeeper Matty Connelly sits next to Tawanda Maswanhise in the Motherwell changing room but says the topic of a potential big-money transfer for the in-form 23-year-old Zimbabwe forward rarely comes up in conversation. (Daily Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish Gossip in full.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 1-0 win against Ross County, which sealed their spot in the last 16 of the Scottish Cup.

Here's what some of you said:

Ian: Not the best of watches but a win's a win. Who needs a new striker when Tawanda Maswanhise's back and on target for his third game in a row?

Alan: Another dominating performance from the 'Well and a comfortable win. Their passing and flow was again excellent but they continue to lack any real penetration to put defenders under pressure. Maswanhise continues to perform and, despite Martin O'Neill's presence in the stand, both he and Motherwell should resist any offers to allow him to develop and hone his undoubted skill level. How many players have been seduced by the Old Firm's wages but then disappear from view?

Colin: Good to get through to the next round in the cup however we toiled to score against a mediocre team. A frustrating watch which highlighted again our need to get quality strikers. Apostolos Stamatelopoulos got a start but never looked anywhere near scoring.

Fraser: We were in control for large parts of the match. Ross County had some chances - but well played Matty Connelly. The cutting edge changed considerably when Lukas Fadinger, Elijah Just and Emmanuel Longelo came on. Into the hat for the next round – Jens Berthel Askou's army keeps marching on.

Stephen: Motherwell won this game at a canter. They rotated the squad to give some players game time but still managed to control it throughout. A real testament to the coaching applied and squad assembled by Askou.

James: Another good victory with a lot of changes to the team, a few more goals would have made the score line better but a win is a win. Well done Motherwell.

Motherwell signing target Eythor Bjorgolfsson, the 25-year-old striker who is a free agent after his contract at Swedish outfit Umea expired, was spotted taking in Saturday's Scottish Cup win over Ross County at Fir Park. (Daily Record), external

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou says his club will fight to keep Tawanda Maswanhise this month amid speculation that Celtic manager Martin O'Neill's presence at Fir Park on Saturday was a scouting mission, with the 23-year-old Zimbabwe forward scoring the winner against Ross County in the Scottish Cup. (Scottish Sun), external

Motherwell are one of two non-Old Firm clubs in the Scottish Premiership interested in 36-year-old Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Barry Bannan, with Millwall, Preston North End and Stoke City also tracking the Scotland cap. (The Star), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Tawanda Maswanhise's 15th goal of the season was enough to grant Motherwell passage to the Scottish Cup's last 16 as they squeezed by Ross County at Fir Park.

Read the full match report here.

Let us know your thoughts here.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "We were in good control for most of the game. You can lose momentum in these games, lose control, and suddenly the ball is in the back of the net and then it's a high mountain to climb.

"But there were only few moments were we lost control and Matty [Connelly] showed he suits our team really well, not only in possession but pulling off good saves, so credit to him.

"Credit to the team also for delivering a very focused and disciplined performance with enough moments to decide the game in our favour.

"I would have wished for a little more tempo and quality throughout the game, to score more or at least produce big chances. But sometimes, when you make a lot of changes, this is what you get.

"We had three Academy graduates on the pitch today, you don't get that often. Sometimes we used one touch too many, played a little safe, and that's what kept us from dominating even more.

"Tawanda is sharp, he had some good moments. He is a real threat and his goal is very deliberate, he acts very fast to steer it into the goal. It wasn't our biggest chance but we scored and we needed to find one of these moments."

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Jordan McGhee has loved watching Motherwell's free-flowing football this season, but can't wait to finally get the chance to contribute.

The 29-year-old, a summer arrival from Dundee, made his debut as a substitute in last weekend's draw at Hibs after two thigh injuries ruled him out for the first half of the season.

Speaking before the Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Ross County at Fir Park, McGhee said: "It's still been tough watching because you always naturally want to be part of that and feel that you can add to that, but watching the boys play their stuff every week and picking up results and winning games, there was no better feeling.

"The dressing room's positive every single day. It helps you when you're injured as well, that everyone's bouncing about the place. So it's been a massive help for me and I enjoy watching it.

"I was brought up through Hearts, through Scotland Under-21s, it was all playing it from the back, so it's something I'm used to.

"Obviously, you go to different club managers with different styles of play as well and you adapt to that, but I feel that's the way I've been brought up and it's something I really look forward to getting involved in and getting my teeth into.

"I'm in all the video meetings. Obviously I can't go out on the pitch and do what I do best, but I always knew that day was going to come and I've just worked as hard as I can."

McGhee's home debut is set to come about 12 months since he signed a pre-contract. The manager who oversaw that deal, Stuart Kettlewell, will be in the away dugout on Saturday having also managed Kilmarnock in the past year.

"I spoke to Kettlewell at the time, but it was more a club decision," McGhee said. "As much as I spoke to Ketts, once I knew the interest was here, I wanted to get it done.

"I've got family that are Motherwell fans, they're pretty local as well, so there's a bit more on it for me now and that excites me to come here and do everyone proud.

"You just need to look at the crowds, every game we seem to get more and more people coming to the game, which is great. It's great for us as players and creates a better atmosphere as well."

Motherwell remain without the likes of Elliot Watt and Callum Hendry but Stephen O'Donnell has shaken off the back strain that forced him off against Hibernian.

James Furlong, the 23-year-old left-back who previously had a loan spell with Motherwell, is poised to leave Hull City this month with several Scottish Premiership clubs interested in his signature. (Football Insider), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Motherwell expect midfielder Elliot Watt "back at some point in February", says manager Jens Berthel Askou.

Watt, 25, has scored four goals in 27 appearances this season, including two in his past two games, and is recovering from a muscle problem.

"He will be back at some point in February, exactly when, we will assess that along the way," said Askou.

"It's not a massive, major thing, but obviously it's something that we are working on and trying to get him back fit.

"The same with Callum Hendry, who we are also managing. He has been a little bit overloaded, so he will also probably be out for a few weeks.

"The good thing is that Andy Halliday and Sam Nicholson are out there on the pitch with us doing part of the training. It's so good to see these players who have been out for that long.

"[Nicholson has] been through a very, very tough period. So, to see him out there touching the ball, running around with a smile on his face, it's fantastic."

Defender Stephen Welsh was recalled by Celtic this week after making 17 appearances on loan at Well earlier this season.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has suggested Welsh could return to Fir Park on loan and Askou says Motherwell have a "very good dialogue with Celtic".

"We will have to wait and see how things turn out at Celtic," Askou explained.

"The door is absolutely still open for him to come back. I would love for him to walk in the door in a few days and put his Motherwell gear on.

"It is a situation we are looking at. If he doesn't come back, how can we make the puzzle complete?

"There are both the options that we do it from within and also that we bring someone in."

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Defender Stephen O'Donnell has been rewarded for his "outstanding" form this season with a one-year contract extension that keeps him at Motherwell until summer 2027.

Former Scotland international O'Donnell, 33, made his 200th Motherwell appearance in November and, despite an injury setback, has been an important member of Jens Berthel Askou's side, who sit fourth in the Premiership.

"This season his form has been outstanding, playing a vital role in both the centre-back position and in his more natural role as a full-back," Askou said.

"Building a new squad in the summer, Stephen's leadership, experience and bubbly and open personality have been extremely important to us in knitting together a strong group.

"Stephen still demonstrates the same hunger and curiosity to improve and learn every day as when he was young and sets a brilliant example for the next generation of players."

O'Donnell, who joined the Steelmen from Kilmarnock 2020, has made 25 appearances this season, scoring one goal.

"There was no doubt that I wanted to extend my deal here, and I'm glad to get my future sorted," he said.

"I've been through so much in my time at Motherwell and this is a great place to be just now. The club has been making real strides on and off the pitch and is moving in an upward trajectory.

"Playing 200 games was a huge honour, and I will do my utmost best to produce good performances and results on the pitch. The support I have been receiving this season has been appreciated. It drives you on and gives you extra motivation to do well."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell are hoping to secure a deal for in-demand Norwegian striker Eythor Bjorgolfsson.

The 25-year-old is currently a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Umea, where he scored 15 goals in 29 games in Sweden's second tier.

The forward could not prevent his former club suffering relegation but netted eight times in his final five matches in an impressive finale to the campaign, which ended in November.

Sources at Fir Park say there is a lot of interest in the player, but the Lanarkshire side are pushing to sign the former Seattle Sounders man.

Despite implementing a successful and attractive brand of football at Motherwell, Jens Berthel Askou's strikers have struggled to nail down a starting spot in his team.

Winger Tawanda Maswanhise has often been deployed in a central role, scoring 10 Scottish Premiership goals this term as Askou's men sit fourth in the table.

The hope for Motherwell is they are able to fight off competition to land Bjorgolfsson and that he can provide the cutting edge they have sometimes lacked during a stellar season so far.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Motherwell's clean sweep of the Scottish Premiership awards for December is testament to how far we've come this season.

Jens Berthel Askou and midfielder Elliot Watt were named the manager and player of month respectively, rightfully earning recognition.

Motherwell finished last season with 49 points. The previous campaign it was 43. This term, we are on 37 already, with 16 games left. Anything less than a top-four finish will be seen as a failure.

The fight for Europe and potentially upsetting the Old Firm continues between us and Hearts and I am loving every minute of it.

You would think as the weeks go by I'd get used to our incredible season but it still feels surreal.

We have suffered a blow with Stephen Welsh being recalled by Celtic. However, there is a chance the defender may return to Fir Park this month and, if not, I have every faith Askou will be able to bring in a suitable replacement as well as at least two strikers.

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Elliot Watt has made it a December double for Motherwell by being named Scottish Premiership player of the month.

After Jens Berthel Askou took the manager prize, midfielder Watt's fine form has been recognised.

The 25-year-old scored three times in five appearances during December - including netting the second in the 2-0 victory over Celtic - as he helped fourth-place Motherwell to three wins and a draw, with the sole defeat coming at Ibrox.

"December was a really successful month for the whole squad," said Watt.

"To win this award is a real delight, but I can't emphasise enough just how much this is an award for the full squad.

"The feeling around the full club is a positive one, and it's now our job to keep that feeling going. Together we've achieved a lot, but there's more to come."

Manager Askou said Watt is taking "huge steps" this season, adding: "He's grown into a highly respected leader within the group, always driving our performance levels to the highest standards."

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill says Stephen Welsh was recalled as he needed cover at centre-half but suggests that the 25-year-old could return to Motherwell on loan this month. (The National), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.