Hutchinson ready to grab chance

21 January 2011 15:00

Motherwell goalkeeper Darren Randolph has tipped Shaun Hutchinson to atone for the loss of Mark Reynolds in the team's central defence.

Hutchinson came in for his first game in 13 months as Motherwell drew 0-0 with Inverness last weekend while Reynolds wrapped up a move to Sheffield Wednesday. The 20-year-old produced a solid overall display despite being told of his first-team comeback just hours before the game.

Randolph said: "He (Hutchinson) played well against Inverness and he is only going to get stronger with every game he plays. I've seen him in training and we all know what he can do. For his first game in 13 months he played very well. He is going to grow in confidence and he should be buzzing after the game on Saturday."

Reynolds was introduced to the team in 2006 amid an injury crisis and in the aftermath of Stevie Hammell's departure to Southend, but barely missed another match and made more than 200 appearances for Motherwell.

Hutchinson, 20, is also looking to seize his opportunity and has already had a spell of first-team football. He was a regular under Jim Gannon at the start of last season, netting four goals before hamstring and pelvic problems stopped him in his tracks.

Motherwell manager Stuart McCall is looking for a new left-sided centre-back but Hutchinson is set to continue against Hibernian on Saturday and Randolph is so assured about the Newcastle-born youngster that he could afford to joke about Reynolds' departure.

"I'm glad he's gone because he scores own goals," Randolph said.

"No, I was gutted to see him go because we get on well. But he is looking after himself and trying to kick on in his career and good luck to him.

"We'll miss his influence, and his pace and aerial ability as well, but I have every bit of faith in Hutch to come in and do the same job."

Source: PA