Rangers v Motherwell: Team newspublished at 13:00 BST 25 April
13:00 BST 25 April
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Rangers remain without Ryan Naderi and Tuur Rommens but Danny Rohl is upeat about the chances of their return soon.
Motherwell midfielder Callum Slattery returns from suspension while Regan Charles-Cook is back from injury.
Eythor Bjorgolfsson and Johnny Koutroumbis are set to rejoin training soon following muscle injuries while long-term absentee Zach Robinson remains out.
Hendry ready to bounce back after double hernia surgerypublished at 16:52 BST 24 April
16:52 BST 24 April
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Callum Hendry is ready to get back to his best for Motherwell after the club helped him fix an injury problem that had dogged him for years.
The 28-year-old came on as a late substitute against Hearts in Motherwell's 3-1 defeat a fortnight ago - his first appearance of 2026 - after two injuries since joining from MK Dons last summer.
The former Aberdeen and Kilmarnock forward is yet to score for the Fir Park side, but a double hernia operation has given him a new lease of life.
"It's been a tough season," he said.
"I've carried an injury that I've not known about, no one's known about for a few years, so it's set me back. But Motherwell have helped me fix that and I feel fit now.
"It's an enjoyable team to be a part of. Some of the individual qualities for a team like Motherwell, for a team this size, it's quite rare.
"So I think we just need to enjoy it, just like the fans do. We appreciate it.
"Training, games, you can see it as well. Not just the individual quality, but when the patterns are playing and stuff comes together, it's like watching one of the best teams in Europe. It's great to be a part of it."
Hendry bounced back from major knee injuries in his formative years but had never previously experienced the long-standing uncertainty brought about by his recent fitness woes.
"I just feel fresh again," he added.
"It's weird, coming back from my second ACL at Blackburn, I was only 17, so I'd never played first-team football. This is probably the worst one I've had, since being an adult and playing first-team football.
"I didn't know what was wrong, so I'm glad we've got it fixed now. You just feel you're waking up fresh, you're not stiff, things aren't hurting.
"Even just after one training session, it was like, oh, I'm stiff again.
"It was a double hernia, but it had been coming and going for years, since I was at St Johnstone, and we didn't really know the full extent of it until I went to see a specialist in London this season.
"I played through it at Salford and MK, and the specialist said the stop-start pre-season in MK and then moving up here probably didn't help.
"But I'm just glad to get to the bottom of it and get fit again. Hopefully I can play my part and grab some long-awaited goals, because I'm due them, and I think I owe the boys in there a few of them."
Celtic keen on keeper Ward - gossippublished at 08:16 BST 24 April
08:16 BST 24 April
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Celtic and Polish side Jagiellonia Bialystok are among the clubs monitoring Motherwell goalkeeper Calum Ward, who is under contract until 2027. (Christopher Reidy on X), external
Rangers v Motherwell: Pick of the statspublished at 14:49 BST 23 April
14:49 BST 23 April
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Rangers have won just two of their past seven league meetings with Motherwell (D3 L2) after winning six in a row against the Steelmen beforehand.
Motherwell have won two of their past four league visits to Ibrox (L2), as many as their previous 45 prior to this (W2 D7 L36).
Rangers have scored 14 goals in their past three league games, netting 4+ in each; the last side to score four or more in four consecutive Scottish top-flight games was Celtic in November 2018, while it's a feat Rangers haven't achieved since January 1968.
Rangers have had 21 different scorers (excluding own goals) in the Premiership this season, the joint most of any club in a campaign since the competition rebranded in 2013, levelling Celtic's tallies in 2015-16, 2020-21, and 2023-24.
Motherwell have lost four of their past five league games (D1) - as many as their previous 34 beforehand (W17 D13 L4). They have conceded 11 goals in those past five matches – as many as their previous 23 in the Scottish Premiership.
Hendry and Charles-Cook leave fans underwhelmedpublished at 15:05 BST 22 April
15:05 BST 22 April
We asked for your views on which Motherwell player has failed to live up to expectations this season.
Here are some of your comments:
Crawford: We are still searching for a proper penalty box-striker. I haven't seen anything to encourage me that either Callum Hendry or Eythor Bjorgolfsson have been the answer this season.
Gary: Elijah Just player of year. Biggest disappointment - Regan Charles-Cook.
Stuart: Callum Hendry has not met the expectations we thought he would bring. We thought we were getting a proven goalscorer, injuries have not helped the cause but one goal in as many games is a great disappointment in a great season.
Mark: As much as this squad has been incredible all season, I have to say Hendry has yet to really show us what he's made of. Scored a consolation goal in the semi-final against St Mirren and had a disallowed goal in the home match against Hearts. Injuries have not helped him but he hasn't hit the mark in terms of goals. That being said, he always gives 110%.
D: For me the biggest disappointment has been Charles-Cook. I was delighted when he signed as he had been a standout a few years back for Ross County and came from a good level in Belgium, but he has not contributed anywhere near as much as I hoped he would and also been a bit stop-start with injury.
James: Apostolos Stamatelopoulos was a big letdown - a number nine that can only score penalties. Hendry is another who fails to impress.
McAllister hoping for Rangers triumph but Well 'will have say'published at 16:40 BST 21 April
16:40 BST 21 April
Martin Dowden BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
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Image caption,
Gary McAllister formed part of Steven Gerrard's backroom team at Rangers
Gary McAllister is hoping for a Rangers triumph in a Scottish Premiership title race that will "go right to the wire" - but he expects his former side Motherwell "to have a big say".
The ex-Scotland midfielder was part of Steven Gerrard's backroom team when the Ibrox club last won Scotland's top flight five years ago.
Danny Rohl's men are currently just one point behind leaders Hearts, with Celtic three points off the summit in third.
"Everybody's paying attention to it because it's a three-horse race and not just two teams fighting for it," McAllister told BBC Scotland.
"I think Derek McInnes has done an amazing job. Hearts are not going away. They've had a good lead, they're still in front, and Celtic never go away.
"I think it'll go right to the wire. Obviously, having worked at Rangers with Steven and winning the last title to make it 55, I would like to see Rangers get 56."
Rangers' post-split schedule kicks off with the visit of Motherwell at Ibrox on Sunday (15:00 BST).
Former Liverpool player McAllister started his playing career at Fir Park and has been impressed with Jens Berthel Askou's side this term.
Many have predicted Askou's men will influence the title race with their ability to take points off the top three, and McAllister agrees.
"My old club here, Motherwell, they're going to have a big say because they've played some wonderful football this season," he added.
"I've been really impressed by them. They've fallen away a wee bit, but they've got a big say in where the title's going to end up."
What do Scottish Cup semi results mean for race for Europe?published at 09:58 BST 20 April
09:58 BST 20 April
Fans of Motherwell and Hibernian would have been watching the weekend's Scottish Cup action with a keen eye, given how the eventual winner of the competition could have a decisive impact on their European hopes.
Essentially, whether fifth place in the Scottish Premiership this season rewards you with European football or not depends on Celtic winning the trophy.
The chances of that are now greater after Martin O'Neill's side progressed to the final thanks to a bonkers extra-time victory over St Mirren.
And although Falkirk suffered heartbreak in their own semi-final a day prior, losing on penalties to bitter rivals Dunfermline Athletic, Celtic's win on Sunday gives a boost to the Bairns' hopes of European football next season.
However, a shock win for Neil Lennon's Dunfermline next month would mean European qualifiers for a club that could be playing in the second tier next term.
Given Celtic's continued underwhelming displays, that isn't too far-fetched a possibility.
Regardless of what happens in May's final, fourth place in the top flight will secure a spot in the second round of next campaign's Conference League qualifiers.
As it stands, that is also the prize for finishing third, but a Celtic Scottish Cup triumph would mean the team finishing fifth nudges in.
Motherwell are currently in the driving seat to finish fourth, three points clear of Hibs and eight ahead of Falkirk, with a superior goal difference over both clubs.
Falkirk are five points behind Hibs in fifth, with five rounds of post-split fixtures remaining. Still all to play for in the top half.
Oxborough could deny parent club Euro place - gossippublished at 08:42 BST 20 April
08:42 BST 20 April
On-loan Aston Oxborough could deny parent club Motherwell a European qualifying place if the goalkeeper helps Dunfermline Athletic beat Celtic in the Scottish Cup final. (Scottish Sun), external
'Miller chose Udinese because of record as selling club' - gossippublished at 09:50 BST 18 April
09:50 BST 18 April
Udinese beat two other clubs to sign 19-year-old Lennon Miller from Motherwell last summer after convincing the Scotland midfielder of their track record of taking players to the next level before selling them on, according to Serie A pundit Manuel Pascali. (Daily Record), external
Ward, McGinn, or Maswanhise? Your pick for Motherwell player of the yearpublished at 12:03 BST 16 April
12:03 BST 16 April
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We asked for your views on who has been Motherwell's player of the season.
Here's what some of you said:
Mark: There are so many players who have excelled under Jens Berthel Askou, and I think lots of people are going to say Tawanda Maswanhise, Elliot Watt or Elijah Just as their player of the season. However, I think the player of the season has to be Paul McGinn. He has been stellar at the heart of the defence all season, looking very composed and comfortable on and off the ball while leading the back line of one of the best defences in the league. Therefore, McGinn is the clear choice for me.
Stuart: Where do you start? The team as a whole deserve it because each and every individual has brought something to the forefront. From the goalkeeper Calum Ward going from third choice to first and growing in confidence after a shaky start to the season keeping the most clean sheets in club history. The old guard of McGinn and Stephen O'Donnell playing some of the best football of their careers. New signings of Watt, Just, Ibrahim Said and Oscar Priestman have excelled in coming into a new club and fitting right in as if they've been here for years. But Maswanhise has to edge it, he looks a totally different player from last season, more attacking, stylish and a goal scoring predator, hopefully he can finish with a furry and end up the league's top scorer to sum up a fantastic season.
Derek: Maswanhise will be up there for a lot of fans for player of the year but for me it has to be Just, he is superb and is absolutely vital to how we play, can score goals and create them, he would be a huge void to fill should he ever leave.
Jaime: McGinn for me. Unbelievably consistent. I'd take a guaranteed seven out of 10 player every game over a nine or 10 out of 10 player every three or four games. Maswanhise, Watt and Just are getting the plaudits, and rightfully so, but this style of play is harder to adjust to for defenders at a certain age and McGinn and O'Donnell have been outstanding but most importantly, consistent.
James: Player of the year has to be Stephen Welsh. Motherwell should sign him permanently and build the team around him.
David: In a team of so many outstanding performers, I'd go for Just - others have been outstanding but he's been consistently a stand out.
Jim: I know the forwards will get all the attention, however my player of the year would go to Ward. Not only has he set a new clean sheet record, he is fundamental to the way the team plays from the back.
Who is your Motherwell player of the year?published at 13:32 BST 15 April
13:32 BST 15 April
It's been an impressive first season in charge for Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou.
Currently fourth in the table they're still on course for European football and their bold passing style of football has earned plaudits, records and some impressive results - including a dominant 2-0 win over reigning champions Celtic.
There's been plenty of impressive individual performances throughout the campaign, but who has been the standout?
We want to know your choice for Motherwell's player of the year. Tell us here
VAR frustration as winless run continuespublished at 17:02 BST 14 April
17:02 BST 14 April
Jenna Thomson Fan writer
The past few games have left me dumbfounded.
I don't want to blame our defeats solely on refereeing decisions. However, undeniably VAR has been a contributing factor.
I know if a Hearts player had made contact with a Motherwell player's head in the box I'd want a red card and penalty.
Stephen Welsh conceded a VAR-assisted spot-kick by catching Pierre Landry Kabore while trying to clear after the Hearts striker had headed the ball while on the ground. However, under Ifab rules, Kabore can be classed as endangering himself. Based on this, the penalty should not have been given.
It is beyond frustrating, especially as we have to face Rangers away next while our confidence is in tatters after taking just one point from the last 15 available.
If we can pick up a win at Falkirk in our second post-split match, a victory against Hibs on the last day, and a draw at home to Hearts I will be happy.
I don't want to sound cynical or negative after what has been a phenomenal season. However, we are starting to spiral and if we don't nip it in the bud quickly our efforts will be for nothing if Hibs overtake us.
Media caption,
Sportscene team analyse decision to award Hearts penalty in comeback win over Motherwell
Motherwell keen on Dunfermline defender - gossippublished at 08:09 BST 14 April
08:09 BST 14 April
Motherwell are keen on taking Dunfermline Athletic defender Kieran Ngwenya on a free transfer, but Leyton Orient and Burton Albion are also interested in the 23-year-old. (Peter O'Rourke on X), external
Askou looking for Well to be more clinical in splitpublished at 17:20 BST 12 April
17:20 BST 12 April
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Motherwell may have only taken one point from five matches, but they created more than enough chances at Tynecastle to suggest they will pick up points in the split.
Emmanuel Longelo finished off a free-flowing move just after the break but he, Eli Just and Tawanda Maswanhise in particular squandered some excellent chances to take the game away from the hosts
"We have not been that clinical and effective and sharp lately," manager Jens Berthel Akous admitted. "And that is also one of the major reasons why we haven't been able to tip results our way.
"Earlier in the season, we didn't need many chances to score goals, now we need a little bit more. And we're working on that every week, and that's football.
"Sometimes you have spells like that, but I'm really positive that we created these chances in a difficult place to create chances."
However, Askou was again left frustrated by a key decision as he labelled Matthew MacDermid's VAR-assisted penalty award "very soft".
Stephen Welsh was penalised for catching Kabore on the head while trying to clear after the Hearts sub had headed the ball while on the ground.
Askou questioned what Welsh could have done while Kabore was "dribbling with his head".
"It's a shame for the game that it gets decided like that," he said. "You can argue every time there's contact that there's a foul. Then it's about the amount of contact, the speed of contact, the situation."
The Dane added: "But what I want to underline again is that I'm really, really proud of our performance.
"We took control of a very difficult game against a very good team who are really, really good at what they do, who have an atmosphere that really drives them and can get you emotionally unstable if you're not there. We dealt with that extremely well.
"Some of the play we set up in the second half, leading to our chances, also the goal, was absolutely outstanding."
'We had so many good chances to be out of sight'published at 11:34 BST 12 April
11:34 BST 12 April
We asked for your views on Motherwell's 3-1 defeat against Hearts.
Here's what some of you said:
Alan: A very frustrating game and result. Having gained the lead we then lose it to a rather dubious penalty. We fight back and then miss three chances to take the lead again.
However, we are still fourth and heading for Europe with Hibs losing. Let's focus on the positives and the goals will come. Who at the beginning of the season would have thought we would be fourth at this point in the season?
Crawford: This was probably the most difficult watch so far, three or four glorious chances in five minutes all squandered. We should have been out of sight. And again, some very frustrating decisions from the officials, sometimes you could swear that they were just guessing.
James: We had so many good chances to be out of sight. I thought the referee had a shocker, but it is our players are missing the chances. We keep going, and hope for some improved results.
Colin: A much better performance, missed great chances to put the game out of sight. However that was one of the worst refereeing performances I have witnessed, and there has been a lot of very bad refereeing this season. I only hope we don't end up with nothing to show for a great season of entertainment.
Adam: Another match where Motherwell failed to win, so many missed chances. Manager who fails to change the tactics when a draw, or even to hold out for a win, would be a result. Poor refereeing didn't help but you must make your own luck.
James: Another defeat, even though the team played brilliantly. How the penalty was given is beyond me. The referee and VAR should take a long hard look at themselves, an embarrassing decision.