DUTV
STORY OF THE MATCH | MOTHERWELL (H)
31st October 2024
Striker Jim Hamilton is the main injury worry going in to Wednesday's SPL visit to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen.
'Hammy' picked up an Achilles problem when landing awkwardly during an aerial battle at Ibrox at the weekend - he had to limp of before half-time - and is now a major doubt for the clash with the Dons. However, the excellent performance of goalscoring substitute Steven Thompson in the outstanding win against the faltering champions handed boss Alex Smith a healthy selection dilemma for the midweek trip north.
Smith explained, "Davie Hannah's suspension for the Rangers game was concerning because he had been playing well on the left - and his absence threatened to cause an imbalance in the side. "So I decided to bring in a striker, Paul Robinson, and make a few tactical alterations. "The new system worked well, even after Hammy went off, so I am now left with the problem of whether to go with the same again - or to revert to the diamond formation in the midfield which had been effective with Hannah in the side."
While the Manager is deliberating over that one, he will have a look at the form of others who continue to knock on the first team door in Monday night's U-21 affair against Rangers at Airdrie.
"The likes of McConalogue, McCracken, Atangana, Smith, and Combe will feature in that one" added Smith. The second string fixture will also present another opportunity for injury-comeback man Stephen Wright to step up his match fitness, and for David Partridge to taste further action having been out for so long due to illness.
'Hammy' picked up an Achilles problem when landing awkwardly during an aerial battle at Ibrox at the weekend - he had to limp of before half-time - and is now a major doubt for the clash with the Dons. However, the excellent performance of goalscoring substitute Steven Thompson in the outstanding win against the faltering champions handed boss Alex Smith a healthy selection dilemma for the midweek trip north.
Smith explained, "Davie Hannah's suspension for the Rangers game was concerning because he had been playing well on the left - and his absence threatened to cause an imbalance in the side. "So I decided to bring in a striker, Paul Robinson, and make a few tactical alterations. "The new system worked well, even after Hammy went off, so I am now left with the problem of whether to go with the same again - or to revert to the diamond formation in the midfield which had been effective with Hannah in the side."
While the Manager is deliberating over that one, he will have a look at the form of others who continue to knock on the first team door in Monday night's U-21 affair against Rangers at Airdrie.
"The likes of McConalogue, McCracken, Atangana, Smith, and Combe will feature in that one" added Smith. The second string fixture will also present another opportunity for injury-comeback man Stephen Wright to step up his match fitness, and for David Partridge to taste further action having been out for so long due to illness.
