Motherwell

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Motherwell expect midfielder Elliot Watt "back at some point in February", says manager Jens Berthel Askou.

Watt, 25, has scored four goals in 27 appearances this season, including two in his past two games, and is recovering from a muscle problem.

"He will be back at some point in February, exactly when, we will assess that along the way," said Askou.

"It's not a massive, major thing, but obviously it's something that we are working on and trying to get him back fit.

"The same with Callum Hendry, who we are also managing. He has been a little bit overloaded, so he will also probably be out for a few weeks.

"The good thing is that Andy Halliday and Sam Nicholson are out there on the pitch with us doing part of the training. It's so good to see these players who have been out for that long.

"[Nicholson has] been through a very, very tough period. So, to see him out there touching the ball, running around with a smile on his face, it's fantastic."

Defender Stephen Welsh was recalled by Celtic this week after making 17 appearances on loan at Well earlier this season.

Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has suggested Welsh could return to Fir Park on loan and Askou says Motherwell have a "very good dialogue with Celtic".

"We will have to wait and see how things turn out at Celtic," Askou explained.

"The door is absolutely still open for him to come back. I would love for him to walk in the door in a few days and put his Motherwell gear on.

"It is a situation we are looking at. If he doesn't come back, how can we make the puzzle complete?

"There are both the options that we do it from within and also that we bring someone in."

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Defender Stephen O'Donnell has been rewarded for his "outstanding" form this season with a one-year contract extension that keeps him at Motherwell until summer 2027.

Former Scotland international O'Donnell, 33, made his 200th Motherwell appearance in November and, despite an injury setback, has been an important member of Jens Berthel Askou's side, who sit fourth in the Premiership.

"This season his form has been outstanding, playing a vital role in both the centre-back position and in his more natural role as a full-back," Askou said.

"Building a new squad in the summer, Stephen's leadership, experience and bubbly and open personality have been extremely important to us in knitting together a strong group.

"Stephen still demonstrates the same hunger and curiosity to improve and learn every day as when he was young and sets a brilliant example for the next generation of players."

O'Donnell, who joined the Steelmen from Kilmarnock 2020, has made 25 appearances this season, scoring one goal.

"There was no doubt that I wanted to extend my deal here, and I'm glad to get my future sorted," he said.

"I've been through so much in my time at Motherwell and this is a great place to be just now. The club has been making real strides on and off the pitch and is moving in an upward trajectory.

"Playing 200 games was a huge honour, and I will do my utmost best to produce good performances and results on the pitch. The support I have been receiving this season has been appreciated. It drives you on and gives you extra motivation to do well."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Motherwell are hoping to secure a deal for in-demand Norwegian striker Eythor Bjorgolfsson.

The 25-year-old is currently a free agent following the expiry of his contract at Umea, where he scored 15 goals in 29 games in Sweden's second tier.

The forward could not prevent his former club suffering relegation but netted eight times in his final five matches in an impressive finale to the campaign, which ended in November.

Sources at Fir Park say there is a lot of interest in the player, but the Lanarkshire side are pushing to sign the former Seattle Sounders man.

Despite implementing a successful and attractive brand of football at Motherwell, Jens Berthel Askou's strikers have struggled to nail down a starting spot in his team.

Winger Tawanda Maswanhise has often been deployed in a central role, scoring 10 Scottish Premiership goals this term as Askou's men sit fourth in the table.

The hope for Motherwell is they are able to fight off competition to land Bjorgolfsson and that he can provide the cutting edge they have sometimes lacked during a stellar season so far.

Jenna Thomson
Fan writer

Motherwell's clean sweep of the Scottish Premiership awards for December is testament to how far we've come this season.

Jens Berthel Askou and midfielder Elliot Watt were named the manager and player of month respectively, rightfully earning recognition.

Motherwell finished last season with 49 points. The previous campaign it was 43. This term, we are on 37 already, with 16 games left. Anything less than a top-four finish will be seen as a failure.

The fight for Europe and potentially upsetting the Old Firm continues between us and Hearts and I am loving every minute of it.

You would think as the weeks go by I'd get used to our incredible season but it still feels surreal.

We have suffered a blow with Stephen Welsh being recalled by Celtic. However, there is a chance the defender may return to Fir Park this month and, if not, I have every faith Askou will be able to bring in a suitable replacement as well as at least two strikers.

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Elliot Watt has made it a December double for Motherwell by being named Scottish Premiership player of the month.

After Jens Berthel Askou took the manager prize, midfielder Watt's fine form has been recognised.

The 25-year-old scored three times in five appearances during December - including netting the second in the 2-0 victory over Celtic - as he helped fourth-place Motherwell to three wins and a draw, with the sole defeat coming at Ibrox.

"December was a really successful month for the whole squad," said Watt.

"To win this award is a real delight, but I can't emphasise enough just how much this is an award for the full squad.

"The feeling around the full club is a positive one, and it's now our job to keep that feeling going. Together we've achieved a lot, but there's more to come."

Manager Askou said Watt is taking "huge steps" this season, adding: "He's grown into a highly respected leader within the group, always driving our performance levels to the highest standards."

Celtic interim manager Martin O'Neill says Stephen Welsh was recalled as he needed cover at centre-half but suggests that the 25-year-old could return to Motherwell on loan this month. (The National), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

Watch Sportscene pundit Charlie Mulgrew discuss whether Motherwell and Hibernian are title contenders.

Jens Berthel Askou's side are fourth on 37 points, 10 behind league-leaders Hearts, while Hibs are two further back.

"I'd be surprised, especially if Hibs made their way that far up the league," said Mulgrew, who won five top-flight titles with Celtic. "Hibs are five unbeaten, they're doing great.

"Motherwell we talk about being the best footballing team in the league so it's hard to rule them out. Although, I just think they won't have enough to go all the way and win the title. They'll definitely be taking points off the big teams."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

One of the best bits of business Motherwell could do in this January window is hang on to Tawanda Maswanhise.

Goals and pace - a lethal combination that is always in high demand. Proved his worth again as he notched his 10th Premiership goal of the season against Hibernian.

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Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been named Scottish Premiership manager of the month for December.

The Fir Park outfit took 11 points from their six matches, beating Livingston, Dundee and Celtic as part of a superb run of form.

"This award belongs to the entire club, not just the manager," Askou said.

"It serves as an acknowledgement that everyone at the club is doing a great job, which is essentially reflected in our performances on the pitch.

"On behalf of the entire club, I thank you for this positive attention while we remain committed to improving on and off the pitch and reaching out for more."

Watch highlights as Hibs draw 1-1 against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Motherwell's 1-1 draw against Hibernian on Saturday.

Here's what some of you said:

Colin: One of Motherwell's toughest games this season. Players should show a bit of grit and determination as some of our players weren't at their best today. Yet another game without a so called recognised striker, don't think the manager fancies who we have. Need to ship them out and get a decent striker in.

Derek: Thought we started slowly in the first half and struggled to get to grips with Hibs and then were the better side for the last 20 minutes of first half, second half we played okay, had the best chances and should've won it at the end, obviously needing a striker and that's something Jens Berthel Askou is working on and it was great to see Jordan McGhee make his debut after a long time out injured.

Stuart: Tough game, thought we had the better of the chances, but a draw was probably a fair result.

Grant: Can't complain about a point at Easter Road. Tawanda Maswanhise has been immense and hopefully like our manager and other players that we can keep them for the second half of the season, we missed Elliot Watt but other players have to step up.

Walter: Get Stephen Welsh signed up as future captain.

James: Not at our best. Gave away possession far too often. Several players were off the boil. However, would probably have taken a point before the game, so not too bad of a result. Again, we were wasteful of chances. Onwards we go.

Kieron Bowie's leveller earned Hibernian a Scottish Premiership point to stay in touch with Motherwell as the European hopefuls played out a thrilling draw in front of a sell-out Easter Road.

Have your say on the game here.

Read our match report here.

Motherwell centre-half Kofi Balmer is closing in on a loan deal to Bristol Rovers despite interest in the 25-year-old from Ross County and Derry City. (Record), external

Aberdeen have made an approach to Celtic to sign centre-half Stephen Welsh on a permanent transfer despite the 25-year-old currently being on loan to Motherwell. (Record), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Hibs are without Josh Campbell, Martin Boyle (both hamstring) and Nicky Cadden (calf) but Jack Iredale and Kanayo Megwa are both expected to be fit after being forced off with injuries against Kilmarnock last weekend.

Rocky Bushiri and Miguel Chaiwa are both back in contention after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Motherwell have a doubt over Elliot Watt with a muscle problem. Andy Halliday, Jordan McGhee and Aston Oxborough are closing in on returns while Regan Charles-Cook (ankle) remains out with long-term absentees Filip Stuparevic (knee), Sam Nicholson (knee) and Zach Robinson (Achilles).

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Lukas Fadinger is convinced Motherwell have the squad strength to cope with the likely absence of his in-form midfield partner Elliot Watt.

Watt is being assessed after picking up an injury and looks set to miss Saturday's Premiership trip to face Hibs.

"He's been fantastic for the season as have many other players, but I think we already proved in the previous games that it doesn't really matter who is playing, we can perform with any squad or with any team," said Fadinger.

"We do a lot of tactical stuff during the training sessions and have a good, big squad.

"Everyone deserves to play and I think the most important thing is that our manager also gives us the confidence that everyone is needed and that everyone is strong enough to play.

"[He] pushes us every day and he's sometimes hard on us, but not too hard in a good way and he just wants us to be better every training, every game."

Fadinger admits he did not expect to be challenging at the top end of the table when he signed for the club in the summer.

The Austrian arrived days after previous manager Michael Wimmer departed and has become a fixture in the first team under Jens Berthel Askou during their rise to fourth place.

"We are happy to be in this position and we are pleased with the way we play," he added.

"We want to improve every day, every game. I think everyone has a lot of confidence, but it comes with hard work, with playing well.

"We want to be on our best and we need to be on our top level to compete against them."

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Is a clinical striker the missing piece to Motherwell's puzzle?

The Steelmen are currently fourth in the Premiership, two points behind Celtic above and eight off leaders Hearts, albeit having played a game more.

With just 30 goals in 21 games, Motherwell are the lowest scorers in the top five.

And Scottish coach and analyst John Walker suggests the lack of a potent finisher is preventing the Steelmen being serious title contenders.

"If Motherwell had a goalscorer they would be in a title race," Walker told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"If Motherwell had Lawrence Shankland in their team there's no reason why, if everyone stays fit, they couldn't go for the title.

"I've not seen many teams do to Celtic what Motherwell did. Teams have beaten Celtic recently in the last few years, but I've never seen anyone play Celtic off the park for 60 minutes the way they did.

"Motherwell are the only team this year that I think have made Hearts look bang average for 70 minutes and look defensively all over the place.

"If they got a goalscorer, I'd be more convinced it is a proper four-horse race. I think right now Motherwell are maybe an injury to Elliot Watt or Elijah Just away from going through a sticky spell."

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• Hibs have won two of their past three home league games against Motherwell (L1), after having only won one of their previous six beforehand (D3 L2).

• After their 2-0 victory in November, Motherwell could win back-to-back league games against Hibs within a single season for the first time since 2013-14.

• Hibs have won their past three league games, and could win four in a row for the first time since December 2024.

• Motherwell have won their past two league matches, last winning three on the bounce in September 2023.

• Motherwell have kept eight clean sheets in their past nine league games, shipping just one goal in this run (v Rangers in December). They are the first side to concede as little as one goal over a run of nine Scottish Premiership matches since Celtic from October to December 2024, and first non-Old Firm club (Celtic/Rangers) to do so since Hearts from November 2017 to January 2018.

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has been speaking with the media before the Premiership trip to face Hibernian on Saturday.

Here are the key points:

• On being linked with other clubs given the success he has enjoyed with Motherwell, Askou says: "It's natural. Sometimes you get linked with getting sacked if you're not winning enough games. We take all the good attention that comes from us doing well."

• When asked if he could offer reassurance to supporters over his future, the Dane says: "I'm extremely happy to be here. I'm like everyone else here, really enjoying what we're doing and want to see how far we can take it."

• Impressive midfielder Elliot Watt is an injury concern and being assessed, with Askou unable to confirm whether that is potentially long term or not at this stage.

• With fourth-place Motherwell two points ahead of Hibs, Askou describes the visit to Easter Road as a "really big game" with "two sides with a lot of momentum".

• The Dane plays down the prospect of a Motherwell title challenge, saying it's "basically impossible" because of the financial gap with the biggest clubs.

• He adds: "For us, it's about getting as high up that league table as possible. Our first big aim is to make sure that after 33 games we're in top six. From there, we want to reach out after as much as possible. We are extremely ambitious."

• He expects some January transfer business but not too much with more focus on retaining his squad and seeing if they can add.

We asked for your views on what business Motherwell should do in the January transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: I think we need to start with getting rid of the deadwood, which there isn't much of. As much as we are doing really well we still miss that key out-and-out goalscorer. If we can afford it from the Lennon Miller money, a £750k-plus striker would lift us from fourth to potentially second place.

Kevin: I'd be amazed if most supporters don't say a decent number nine. I'd like to see us sign two strikers, a big physical striker good on the deck, as well as a penalty box striker. Our squad other than that looks as good as it has been for a while. One of St Mirren's big strikers wouldn't go wrong, James Wilson at Hearts might be another good investment long term.

George: A pleasant change when us fans we aren't crying for major surgery! Clearly a more regular goalscoring striker is a signing priority. The key to our season will however be keeping hold of prime talents like our manager himself, plus Elijah Just and Tawanda Maswanhise, as clubs cast envious eyes toward them, while hoping Celtic leave Stephen Welsh with us. Otherwise, all good at Fir Park!

James: Without a doubt a striker would be ideal to finish off all the great football made from midfield and defence.

Susan: Obviously we would benefit from a dedicated striker, but quite honestly if we come out of this window with the current team and manager all still at the club and doing what they're doing already, I'll be happy.

Laurie: Motherwell already have a good selection of players, however, I would like to see an established striker with more physical strength as a point man. I feel that the team are bossed off the ball in the final third and not able to convert our opportunities into more goals. We are strong in all other areas of the team.