9pm

Australian striker Scott MacDonald is currently on trial at Fir Park.  The 20-year-old was previously at Southampton although did not feature in any first team matches, and was recently on loan at Huddersfield.

The Under-21s drew 1-1 with their Hibernian counterparts at Easter Road on Monday night, with our goal coming courtesy of  a Kevin MacDonald penalty.  Phil O'Donnell played his third full competitive match for the young 'Well side, and Terry Butcher said afterwards:
"Phil was the grandfather of the team and came through the match very well. He has performed to a good standard in the games he has played for us.  'Motherwell have said all along we would take a close look at him and monitor his position and fitness.  'We are playing it by ear. Phil is building up a level of fitness and sharpness and is getting there."

Team: Ewings, Keogh, Higgins, MacDonald, Quinn, Neville, Wright, Fagan, Scott, O'Donnell, Fitzpatrick.
Subs - Reid, Barkey, McAndie, Coackley, Russell

Reports suggest that Celtic are set to make a £300,000 offer for Stephen Pearson this week, and if Motherwell don't accept then Pearo is likely to sign a pre-contract agreement with the Parkhead side in January and then join them for nothing in the summer.  A "source" is quoted as saying:
"Celtic are stepping up their bid to land Stephen and could make contact with Motherwell this week.  They are hoping to set up a meeting with the player's agent, because the plan is to have him on board within the next three weeks.  Whether or not it's at the turn of the year or in six months' time is down
to Motherwell and whether or not they accept Celtic's offer.  But Stephen WILL be going to Celtic. He has made it clear that is where he wants to play and in an ideal world he'd like to see Motherwell receive compensation."

Motherwell legend Stevie Kirk has been handed the manager's job at Arbroath on a permanent basis after impressing since taking over as caretaker.

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