7.30pm

I know, I know, it's been a while.  However, Ricky's report of the Aberdeen game is now available.

Maurice Malpas' post-match comments were as follows:
"Somebody was smiling on them and not liking us.  They were lucky in that we played well in the second half and they had been fortunate to get the own goal.  They did score a terrific goal at the end but we hit the post and then Scott McDonald had an unbelievable chance which turned into a great save by Langfield.  That just summed up our night but it's all about scoring goals."

Brian Kerr has warned the club that their lack of ambition could see players quit the club in the summer.  Kerr, who is out of contract at the end of the season, says Motherwell must keep Scott McDonald if other players are to commit their futures to the club:
"I am speaking to Motherwell abut extending my contract and I am keen to stay here because the club is going in the right direction.  The only problem is, we can't afford to lose Scott McDonald if we want to go forward as a club.  I would be surprised if there are not a few big bids in for him in the summer and it's about Motherwell accepting them or not.  Myself and other players will look, first and foremost, for the club to keep all the top players and it would be disappointing to see him leave.  

"It's the same scenario at any club.  If you start to lose your better players and the other players see that there's not a big name to take the club forward then I think those players will want to kick on and make sure their own careers go forward.  So I think that if Scott goes then it will make other players' stay-or-go decisions easier.  If him and players like him stay then it will persuade other players to stay on as well."

Hmm.  I think everyone knows McDonald will be off in the summer, so it sounds to me like Kerr is simply using this as a "get-out" clause.  Not that it would be a massive loss if he were to leave anyway.

The reserves came from a goal down to beat their Rangers counterparts 2-1 at Broadwood this afternoon, courtesy of goals from Alex Donnelly and Jamie Murphy.  Team:
Meldrum, Murray, Quinn, Connolly, B Donnelly (Nixon), Kinniburgh, Murphy, Fitzpatrick, Clarkson, Maguire (A. Donnelly), Molloy. 
Subs not used: G. Smith, Forbes, Archdeacon.

The win completed an Old Firm double, as last week the reserves won 2-0 against Celtic's second eleven, with goals from Paul Keegan and Ross McCormack.  Team:
Meldrum, Connolly, Murray, A. Donnelly, Quinn, Kinniburgh, Molloy, McGarry, Keegan (Archdeacon), McCormack, Maguire (Murphy). 
Subs not used: Martin, Brownlie, Forbes.

Sadly, it seems that Ross McCormack damaged ankle ligaments in the Celtic reserve game, and will now be out for around a month.  On a more positive note however, long-term injury victim Brian McLean is now back in full training and is expected to make a first team appearance before the end of the season.

The Sun reports that Shaun Fagan has joined Dundee on trial with a view to winning a contract.

Krisztian Vadocz has been named in the Hugarian squad for their Qualifier agianst Moldova on 28th March, while Stephen Craigan has once again been called up by Northern Ireland for their double header with Litchenstein and Sweden.

Meanwhile, Scott McDonald has been included in the Australian squad for a friendly in China on Saturday.

It seems that we will be getting new home and away kits next season, as our existing contract with Xara is up.

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