MOTHERWELL manager Stephen Robinson has admitted that his players are so fired up ahead of the biggest week of the season so far that he has virtually had to stop them from killing each other in training.
It’s the Lanarkshire derby tomorrow which is traditionally a highly competitive occasion and then his players will bid to reach the Betfred Cup final when they face Rangers at Hampden on October 22.
There is little doubt it is a pivotal period for Robinson and his side and his biggest difficulty is trying to keep his squad on the leash.
He said: “They’re driven, determined. Even in training sessions they don’t hold back. Sometimes I have got to pull them back slightly from killing each other and kicking each other. But that’s a good trait to have in a football team. Training can get quite feisty. I’ve been telling them not to maybe kick each other as hard as they’re kicking each other, but that’s the tempo we create.
“If you create that environment then it doesn’t become something you have to step on a Saturday. That’s just what they do Monday to Friday and Saturday just takes care of itself. It’s a big two weeks for us but a two weeks that we’re going to very much going enjoy.
“A local derby and playing for places at Hampden as well so I don’t think I need to motivate them too much.’
“It’s a massive incentive but we’ve got a group of boys that motivate themselves at times as well.”
Motherwell were emphatic 3-0 winners over Partick Thistle before the break for World Cup action which perhaps came at the wrong time for them.
Conversely, aspiring stars Allan Campbell and Chris Cadden had the benefit of representing the Scotland under-21 side which has pleased Robinson.
He said: “I think sometimes when the international break comes when you’re doing as well as we have been, you’re a wee bit disappointed. But I don’t think our boys will take any motivation to be back in to these two games.
‘Young Allan’s been brilliant since he’s come into the team. Chris Cadden’s been consistent for me for the last year. I’ve said it before I think he’s one of the best young players in Scotland.
‘So, it’s nice that they have that kind of recognition. ‘We’ll take it easy on them the next couple of days and get them ready for Saturday.”
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