December 2000

Wednesday, December 20

Don Goodman has been ruled out until after the winter break.  The veteran striker, who hasn't featured since the 3-3 draw with Aberdeen at the end of November, is still struggling to shake off a hamstring injury and isn't expected to return until our home game with Dunfermline on January 31.

At yesterday's press conference, Billy Davies said he was delighted with last Saturday's result against Hearts:
"It was a very, very important result for us, especially after coming off the back of two difficult games against Hibs and Rangers.  We needed to put on a good show for the fans and with exciting players such as Derek Townsley and Kevin Twaddle in top form then you know you are always going to be in with a chance.  Overall, I felt the scoreline flattered Hearts a little as we had the majority of the chances, but the whole team played well from back to front and we deserved the three points.  Andy Goram made a couple of great saves at a vital time in the game, but the same could also be said of Anti Niemi, who pulled off a number of good stops as well.  Everyone contributed to an excellent team performance, but I thought Stevie Hammell, Stevie McMillan and Martyn Corrigan had tremendous games at the back.  Stevie Hammell is only a young lad and he has performed brilliantly since coming into the side and was outstanding against Hearts on Saturday."

Looking ahead to Saturday's game at Perth, Billy Davies said:
"The game against Hearts is now over with and the players must now get back down to the hard work which will begin again against St Johnstone.  Our confidence is definitely high following the win, but to be fair, the confidence is always high anyway and, outside of the Old Firm, we feel we can go anywhere and get a victory.  We have a reasonable record at Perth and if we can get that break of luck at the right time and maintain the standard of performance, then we have a chance."

BD could be set to name the same team for Saturday's game with Stevie McMillan impressing alongside Greg Strong at the heart of the Motherwell defence, despite Benito Kemble recovering from his hamstring injury.

Jamie McLen has returned to Motherwell after recovering from the injury which cut short his
original loan spell at the club.  The 21-year-old, who has made a dozen Premiership appearances for Newcastle, only played one game for Motherwell before twisting his knee

December 2000 News Index

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