Stranraer V Motherwell at Stair Park : Match Preview

29 July 2016 20:34
Stranraer V Motherwell - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Stranraer at full strength for Motherwell visit

Stranraer manager Brian Reid has an injury and suspension free squad to choose from when Premiership Motherwell pitch up at Stair Park.

The game will determine who finishes second in Group F of the Betfred Cup.

Reid said: "We let ourselves down against Rangers on Monday night as we gave away two early goals that could have been avoided. That gave us a mountain to climb and it became a case of damage limitation after that

"We could still finish second, however, we are massive underdogs as Motherwell are a strong side.

"We need to make them work for any chances and not give them the opportunities that we gave Rangers."

Motherwell skipper Keith Lasley fully expects to end up on the wrong side of James McFadden's temper but still feels he was the perfect candidate to become Mark McGhee's new assistant.

The former Scotland forward was the Fir Park manager's surprise choice to replace Stephen Robinson, who has taken over at Oldham.

Both McFadden and Well skipper Lasley agree it will take some time for the former to adjust to the role as he has spent the past two seasons in the squad as a player.

But Lasley believes McFadden's knowledge of how the dressing room operates will be a crucial tool for McGhee.

The veteran midfielder said of McFadden: "He's not shouted at me yet and he hasn't given me the hair-dryer treatment yet - I'm sure I'll get that at some point.

"But it's fantastic and I'm pleased for James. He's obviously had a bit of an up-and-down time over the last two or three years on the playing side of things and I know he's been frustrated about that.

"But this gives him a great opportunity to have an influence at the club.

"The manager has identified that he can do that and James knows the club inside out, he has a great relationship with the fans and he's played under some great managers and played at the top level so I think he'll bring a lot to the role.

"You're looking for a link between the manager and the dressing room and I think James will be perfect for that.

"He's been around the club for the last three years or so now and knows what it's all about. He knows all the new players.

"If you add that to his obvious knowledge of the game then I think it will be a good combination."

McFadden will hope to play his part from the sidelines as Motherwell travel to Stranraer on Saturday in search of the victory which should see them through to the last 16 of the Betfred Cup.

Two Group F wins from three have put McGhee's men in contention for one of the four best runners-up slots and Lasley says the team's target is clear.

The 36-year-old said: "From our point of view we go to Stranraer and we know what we have to do to have any chance of going through - we have to win the match.

"And that will be a good thing for us in terms of it being pretty clear in our minds - we won't be thinking that a draw could do, we know we have to win to have any chance to progress.

"Hopefully that'll work in our favour and we'll be going there in a good frame of mind."

Only injured striker Louis Moult (groin) is missing the trip to Stair Park.


Source: PAR