Hibernian V Motherwell at Easter Road Stadium : Match Preview

07 March 2014 18:01
Hibernian V Motherwell - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Forster feels content at full-back

Hibernian defender Jordon Forster admits he still sees himself as a centre-back - but is happy to be learning the right-back slot from some experienced defenders.


The 20-year-old has played at the previously unfamiliar role of full-back in recent weeks with Michael Nelson and Paul Hanlon filling the central slots.


With former England centre-back Terry Butcher and former Scotland left-back Maurice Malpas as his management team, he has plenty of information to help him.


And he has the likes of Alan Maybury and Ryan McGivern to give him further tips.


Forster, whose team host Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday, said: "It's been a challenge adapting to a new position but I'm learning every day and I have good experienced pros around me, which is helping.


"There's a good bond in the changing room so everyone looks to help each other. They are defenders who have played for good teams and have all given me bits of advice, along with Maurice and the manager.


"Between them they have got over 130 caps between them so they were both vastly experienced defenders.


"It has been a challenge playing against tricky wingers but I'm embracing it."


Midfielder Tom Taiwo is suspended for Saturday's game.


On-loan Sunderland winger Duncan Watmore will miss out again as he battles back from a foot injury.


Midfielders Scott Robertson (knee) and Owain Tudur Jones (hamstring) remain on the sidelines.


Motherwell will give left-backs Steven Hammell and Zaine Francis-Angol as long as possible to overcome hamstring injuries.


Euan Murray replaced Francis-Angol against Hearts last weekend and could deputise again.


Craig Moore returns following a rib injury but right-backs Fraser Kerr (ankle) and Simon Ramsden (knee) remain out along with midfielder Paul Lawson (knee) and striker Henri Anier (shin).


Manager Stuart McCall has expressed disbelief at the "strange" decision to ban Motherwell fans from bringing their drum to Easter Road.


Hibernian have told Motherwell fans they cannot bring the drum, which is a floor tom, to Saturday's Scottish Premiership match because of complaints from both sets of fans following their meeting in August.


Hibs say they have banned "snare drums" for being too "intrusive" and McCall is disappointed his players might not have the backing of their most vocal fans, some of whom have threatened to boycott the game.


When told of the details, McCall said: "Is this at church? Are we talking about a football ground? A drum was too noisy?


"If that's correct in this day and age, when the clubs are doing everything to get supporters through the turnstiles...


"The lads that do come along with the drum, both home and away, make it a far better atmosphere.


"Regarding it being too noisy, I think that's probably a wind-up. Whether it's because Hibs don't want us creating a bit of atmosphere and backing the team... but I think it's sad.


"If that is the case and there's a lot of Motherwell fans not going, I think that's really disappointing, especially in the size of stadium Hibs have got.


"In fact, I've just been watching clips of the first game of the season and the atmosphere was really good from both sets of fans.


"I find it a strange decision and disappointing. I've been to a few Hibs games and they have got a drum. So unless he's lost his drum and it's not fair that we've got a drum, I think it's strange."


Source: PA