Motherwell have one eye on Scottish Cup Final ahead of Hamilton clash
Motherwell boss Stephen Robinson insists his side will be competitive in their final league match of the season but admits he has one eye on the Scottish Cup final.
Well are set to take on Lanarkshire rivals Hamilton at Fir Park on Saturday in the finale of the Scottish Premiership season, but the club has eyes on bigger honours with a second cup final of the season the following week.
Robinson's side are well clear of the relegation battle and could seal a seventh-placed finish in what has been a fine season for them, and - while he is keen to finish the season on a high - the Northern Irishman admits he has to consider the cup final.
It will be a competitive game, there are bragging rights for the fans,'' he said.We have had four games and won two each, so it will be bragging rights for the season but I have to weigh up that we have a small squad.
Whoever plays, we will put a competitive team out and they are playing for places either on the bench or in the starting line-up (for the final).
It's up to the boys I put out to take their opportunities. Some have waited a while for it, some need their fitness and haven't played for a couple of weeks and there are some I will look to rest and make sure they are 100 per cent ready to go for next Saturday.''
He added: Once we take care of Saturday, we will really start to focus on it. I have had one eye on it since the Partick game.
People are playing to make sure they are involved in the cup final.''
With the manager set to offer a few squad players a chance to impress, it opens up the opportunity to force their way into the squad at Hampden against Celtic, and Robinson has encouraged his players that nothing is set in stone and any positive performances could be rewarded.
He said: There are places up for grabs. I always use Liam Grimshaw as the case.
He played against Aberdeen before the (League) Cup final and he played that well that I had no choice but to start him in the final and it proved a good decision.
It's a massive opportunity for people in a derby game that we have to go and compete and do well in.''
Meanwhile the club is already looking ahead to next season in the hope of strengthening their squad, with Robinson revealing they were in talks with a number of new players.
We have started our recruitment already and made offers for three or four different players in different positions,'' he said.
Boys that are out of contract at other clubs both in England and in Scotland we are speaking to at this moment in time, and hopefully we will have answers in the next 10 days.''