Motherwell

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• Motherwell left-back Emmanuel Longelo has scored eight times in the Scottish Premiership this season, the most non-penalty goals by a defender in a single campaign in the competition since James Tavernier in 2022-23 (also 8). No defender on Opta record (from 2005-06) has netted more (excluding penalties) in a Scottish top-flight season.

• Falkirk are unbeaten in five league meetings with Motherwell (D3 L2) since a 1-0 defeat in October 2009.

• Motherwell are winless in six league visits to Falkirk (D3 L3), scoring just one goal in that run since a 2-1 victory in February 2007.

• Falkirk have lost their past two league games but are yet to lose three in succession this season, last doing so in the top flight in March 2010.

• Motherwell have conceded two or more goals in five of their past six league games, as many as the previous 32 combined. Their 13 goals conceded in this time are more than their previous 24 Scottish Premiership matches prior (12).

Motherwell's Elijah Just has addressed speculation linking him with a move to Celtic, saying saying he doesn't "want to hear about anything" until he is finished playing in the World Cup with New Zealand this summer. (The Celtic Way), external

Read Thursday's Scottish football gossip

Motherwell's Elijah Just says a "really special" debut season in Scotland has gone above and beyond his own personal expectations.

The attacking midfielder has been nominated for PFA Scotland's Premiership player of the year award alongside team-mate Tawanda Maswanhise and Hearts duo Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland.

READ MORE: Just's rise from Austrian second tier to Premiership standout

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Hearts and Motherwell dominate the PFA Scotland Premiership player of the year shortlist - but who can feel unfortunate to miss out?

Hearts forwards Claudio Braga and Lawrence Shankland plus Motherwell midfielder Elijah Just and attacker Tawanda Maswanhise are the quartet vying for the award.

"Motherwell's Elliot Watt, I think he'll feel a bit hard done by and unlucky," said The Herald football writer Stephen McGowan on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I think he's been excellent, just a revelation.

"And he is one you would imagine other clubs will be taking a close look at because you go back to this issue about Benjamin Nygren, for example, or Nicolas Raskin. They float in and out, they influence some games. They don't control games consistently in a way I think that Watt has in midfield.

"[Hearts'] Harry Milne has also had a really good season. He's been pretty consistent all over the piece, but I don't think you can have any real major complaints about the four.

"They've got it just about right."

We asked for your thoughts on who should win PFA Scotland's player of the year with Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just both making the shortlist.

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: Both Just and Maswanhise deserve it. If I was being biased I would have Elliot Watt nominated over Lawrence Shankland, but all four players have been exceptional this season. All thanks to Jens Berthel Askou for making it possible! Hope Just goes on to win it - he is a top-class player.

Grant: Maswanhise has scored the goals but for me the player of the season has to be Just. When I first saw him I thought he was too small in height and stature to do well in Scotland's top league but he hasn't half proved me wrong. Magnificent player for us, he can and will go on to bigger and better things.

James: I have been following Motherwell for 70 years and this has been the most enjoyable season I can remember. What a team Jens has put together, I only hope the board can do everything to keep Jens and most of the players for next season.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Sound the buzzers - the slump is officially over.

I did not think it would be Rangers away that would rescue our form. However, in retrospect I should have seen it coming with our recent results there.

To have beaten Rangers and drawn with them twice, only losing to Hearts once while also beating Celtic at home, is it a surprise we are being nominated for so many rewards?

Five Motherwell players were named in the PFA Scotland team of the year and now Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise make up half of the shortlist for Premiership player of the year. It speaks volumes about Motherwell's season.

People are quick to speculate what the title race will mean for Hearts, Rangers and Celtic and if this season has been a glitch in the matrix or not, but if anything it shows with the right resources the giants can be toppled.

In my 23 years on this planet, I cannot remember a time Motherwell were held in such high regard as they are now.

Season-ticket sales are at their highest in years while multiple sold-out away ends also highlight the true sense of excitement and belief about the club and the future.

A win this weekend against Falkirk is essential since we then host Celtic and Hearts.

European football may not be officially confirmed yet but it's best to look out the passports and beach towels in preparation.

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Tawanda Maswanhise says playing European football is the next step in his career, but he has not ruled out that happening at Motherwell.

The Fir Park side currently hold a healthy advantage in fourth spot, with just four Scottish Premiership games remaining.

Fourth place would secure the Lanarkshire club a place in next season's Conference League qualifiers.

Motherwell rejected transfer interest in Maswanhise, who is the Premiership's top scorer with 17 goals, during the winter window.

And now the Zimbabwe international has been nominated alongside team-mate Elijah Just and Hearts pair Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga for this season's PFA Scotland Premiership player of the year prize.

On his future, the 23-year-old said: "My agent is there for you guys to speak to. I want to play European football.

"Motherwell are currently in a European position for next season, so hopefully it's a good European journey."

Despite speculation surrounding manager Jens Berthel Askou and some of Maswanhise's team-mates, the Leicester youth product also hopes the team is not pulled apart at the end of this campaign.

"I hope not, because this is an excellent team," he added. "I wish there were more games for me to play. I just want to play every Saturday, whether I'm scoring or not."

ARE HEARTS DESTINED TO WIN THE TITLE? 🏆

It was a seismic weekend in the hunt for the Scottish Premiership crown. Are you rejoicing, are you quietly optimistic, or are you chucking it?

Join the debate with Ray Bradshaw at 18:00 BST TONIGHT on the BBC Sport Scottish Football YouTube channel, external to give us your views in the chat. The show is fully interactive, so have your say.

Remember to like and subscribe to not miss it!

Motherwell pair Tawanda Maswanhise and Elijah Just have been recognised for their stellar seasons by being shortlisted for PFA Scotland's Premiership player of the year.

Maswanhise has been deployed as a centre-forward for much of this campaign by manager Jens Berthel Askou and has gone on to score 17 times in the league, making him the division's top scorer.

Just, meanwhile, has also been integral to the Fir Park side's brave and expansive style of play, contributing to 15 goals from attacking midfield, scoring seven times while setting up another eight.

The last Motherwell player to claim the prize was Michael Higdon for his free-scoring season in 2012-13.

"This season, Elijah and Tawanda have been standout players not just for us but for the entire Scottish Premiership," manager Askou said.

"Taking their journey from last season into consideration, it wasn't obvious the impact they'd have in the league this season, and it makes me very happy on their behalf to see them being voted into the PFA's team of the year alongside three of their team-mates and getting the recognition they deserve from their competitors.

"Both being nominated for player of the year on top of that is another huge acknowledgement of their hard work and something for them as well as their team-mates to be extremely proud of."

With the duo nominated alongside Hearts attackers Lawrence Shankland and Claudio Braga, who are you backing to claim the award and why? Send us your thoughts.

Watch Motherwell legend James McFadden and former Rangers midfielder Kevin Thomson analyse a sensational first-half performance from Jens Berthel Askou's side in their 3-2 win at Ibrox on Sunday.

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We asked for your views after Motherwell sealed a sensational win at Ibrox to boost their hopes of securing a fourth-placed Scottish Premiership finish.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Grant: We were definitely the better team in the first half and them in the second. Great to see us still pushing forward in the 90th minute to net the winner. Hopefully another win or two will cement fourth spot, especially with Hibs getting beaten.

Susan: Great to see the Well back at their best today. A stunning performance and a deserved win. They never gave up. What a great advert for Scottish football! Don't want this season to end.

George: Great game, wonderful performance, and a deserved result. There was always going to be a period at Ibrox where we were under pressure, but overall Rangers struggled with our shape and fluidity. We dominated midfield and were defensively solid. In Askou we trust!

James: Unbelievable performance by the team. We should have won by more, but I'm really pleased to take the three points. Well done again, Jens - your tactics were spot on.

Dan: Controlled the first half brilliantly. Could've easily been three or four up at half-time if we'd taken our chances. Calum Ward played excellently, as did everyone else. We slowed down a bit in the second half and let Rangers back into the game. Big Stephen O'Donnell started a brilliant counter-attack, and Emmanuel Longelo finished it better. Three points in the bag and we're heading for European football.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

GK: Jerome Prior - Livingston

Five big saves of every variety to keep St Mirren at bay as Livingston finally earned a long-awaited victory.

RB: Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell

Having a wonderful season under Jens Berthel Askou. Asked to play on the left and wasn't an issue. Two assists for the former Scotland international, who can easily slot into right-back for me here.

CB: Ryan McGowan - Livingston

Did all the unfashionable graft a centre-back has to do at times to earn his side a seldom seen three points.

CB: Kieran Tierney - Celtic

Seven goals for club and country this season. Another rasper against Falkirk.

LB: Emmanuel Longelo - Motherwell

Unleashed in a further forward role than left-back, but he can slot in there easily for me here. What a player he has been all season. Two huge goals as Motherwell underlined their kingmaker credentials in this incredible title race.

CM: Blair Spittal - Hearts

Off the bench to score what could be one of the most pivotal winners of the season for Hearts at Easter Road.

CM: Callum Slattery - Motherwell

Back from suspension and exemplified the quality Motherwell showed in abundance at Ibrox.

RW: Sabah Kerjota - Hearts

The Albanian was a game-changer as Derek McInnes brought him on to find the path through the stubborn Hibs defence. Kerjota duly delivered, not once but twice. His contribution to the Hearts title push was immense.

AM: Martin Boyle - Hibernian

In his last Edinburgh derby he took his goal superbly, couldn't have caught it any sweeter.

LW: Will Ferry - Dundee United

Hadn't scored a single goal for Dundee United until his strike against Celtic a few weeks ago. Now he can't stop. Great work rate and quality again from the wide man as he made all the difference in the Dundee derby.

ST: Daizen Maeda - Celtic

Like a phoenix rising from the flames, is Maeda rising at just the right time to fire Celtic to the title? Celtic's opening two goals came from his tenacity and pressing, and their third - Maeda's second - was instinctive striker play.

Motherwell's Emmanuel Longelo scored a stunning 90th-minute winner to dent Rangers' Scottish Premiership title hopes in a fabulous, five-goal epic at Ibrox.

MATCH REPORT

HAVE YOUR SAY

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou: "The result, it's hard not to say that's very pleasing. We've been a few points short over the last five games in terms of how we've performed.

"First half was right up there with us at the very best. We know we needed that today to win the game. Second half became a much more difficult half, both because Rangers stepped up and lifted their game and because we didn't have that same sharpness in our game, especially in the final third, that we had in the first half.

"There were moments to score the third goal earlier in that second half but I'm very happy that we took the chance when it arrived at the end, even though the legs and the heads will be a little bit tired.

"To stay cool and to still play our game when you have more than 50,000 trying to help push for the winner and to just be composed and do what we do and first of all defend with our lives, which we needed, and then to produce that final moment of quality to decide the game - really impressed with that.

"And extremely happy that just looking at the performances and trying to improve the little things that it finally paid off with a win.

"We want to win every game. I see a group of players that are talented enough to compete for the win in every game no matter who we play and where we play. I've said that throughout the season. Today was another testament to that and demonstration of that anything is possible if you really go for it and reach out for it.

"We've not arrived here to just say, 'fine, top six, everything is good, now we're in fourth place, let's just try and defend'. We want to attack the league and get as many points as possible because that's our mindset and that's what gives us the best opportunity to make sure that we stay in this position."

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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.

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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."

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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

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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.

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.