Hearts V Motherwell at Tynecastle Stadium : Match Preview

20 October 2012 13:31
Hearts V Motherwell - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.

Ramsden: Issues forgotten when game starts Motherwell defender Simon Ramsden does not expect Hearts' financial issues to have an impact on their game when the two clubs face each other in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League on Sunday. Jambos boss John McGlynn and six of Hearts' highest earners did not receive their salaries on schedule on Tuesday as the Edinburgh club failed to pay their entire squad on time for a second successive month. September's breach triggered a transfer embargo under new Scottish Premier League regulations, with wages also delayed on four occasions last season. Ramsden was sympathetic towards the plight of the players but backed them to put their worries to one side for 90 minutes at Tynecastle when the Steelmen come calling. He said: "Once that whistle goes, it's all forgotten about. "Those issues might affect them during the week, when training finishes. "But, once the game comes around, I don't think they will be thinking about that for one second. "Fortunately, I've never experienced anything like that in my career, although I know a few lads who have and it's not a nice time when you have families and mortgages to pay." Ramsden is expecting a difficult challenge in the capital and says the Motherwell players are just desperate for a return to action. Their match against Dundee United before the international break was postponed due to a power failure, meaning they have been idle longer than most. He said: "Hearts have got a good squad and we've watched DVDs of their games this season. "We know it's going to be a very tough test but it's one we're looking forward to. "We haven't had a game for a few weeks now so the lads are itching to get going again." Meanwhile, Ramsden can understand why boss Stuart McCall has been touted as an outside bet for the Scotland job, should Craig Levein be sacked, but he believes his manager is happy to remain at Fir Park. He said: "It doesn't surprise me that he has been talked of in that way - I couldn't speak more highly of him to be honest. "One of the main factors in me coming to Motherwell was to link up with him again. "I'm sure, if you ask the manager, he's just concentrating on ourselves at the moment." McGlynn believes his Hearts side's luck could soon turn. Hearts have won two of their nine matches this season and are near the foot of a congested Clydesdale Bank Premier League table ahead of the clash at Tynecastle. McGlynn is confident of a change in fortunes. He said: "How many points is there between us and Motherwell? Four. That's not a lot. And that's the team that was third last year. "There's nothing in the league table that can't be turned around. "Two or three victories... you look at St Johnstone, look where they are. Look where Aberdeen are, look where Hibs are, teams that weren't doing well last year. "We're playing well enough. We just need to get the ball in the back of the net and I'm very, very confident things will turn around." However, McGlynn recognises the challenge Motherwell pose. He added: "They did very well last season and that breeds a confidence. They're going to be one of the teams that should be up there. "Motherwell have started the season very well. They've got the top scorer in the SPL at the minute in Higdon. He's been scoring goals for fun. "It's up to us. We're at home on Sunday and we've got to make the most of it. "It would be a good victory for us to get that win." Motherwell will be without the suspended Adam Cummins while Hearts have no fresh injury concerns. Goalkeeper Jamie McDonald is fit again following a head knock which forced him off in the loss at Celtic, while Scotland defender Andy Webster has shrugged off a twisted ankle and will be fit to start.

Source: PA