Something is not quite right at Fir Park.

The club is still sickly, still suffering from that painful Scottish League Cup loss against Aberdeen. Talking to the management and the players leaves the impression that last week's victory over Hibernian conquered only one of the early stages of Motherwell's grief. In truth, their knock-out malady can probably only be banished by the cooling tonic of the William Hill Scottish Cup.

"We were very disappointed in the outcome of the Aberdeen game," admitted assistant manager Kenny Black. "So the result against Hibs was more important than anything. We didn't play particularly well but the three points was massive for us. It helped us get over the midweek disappointment."

Before cup amends can properly be made - starting with a trip to Lanarkshire rivals Albion Rovers - Dundee United visit Fir Park today in what should be an entertaining encounter between two sides who like to attack. "I watched them against Celtic and Inverness and they did extremely well," Black said. "They're showing real consistency after a shaky start and they don't concede many goals. They're a real threat on the counter attack and it'll be a big test for us. We are similar teams, with match-winners, and I hope we have more than them."

The home side are faced with cobbling together some sort of makeshift defence, with Steven Hammell and Simon Ramsden doubtful and Shaun Hutchison out suspended after his red card last week. One man's indiscretion is another man's opportunity, though, and 20-year-old Fraser Kerr is preparing to step into the breach. "If Ramsden is still injured . . ." he said. "You don't want to see team-mates get injured but it's a good opportunity for me, so I want to grasp it and play well if I get the chance."

Back in town for good after three years at Birmingham City - where he crossed paths with James McFadden - Kerr is happy to be home. "I've no regrets about going down there," he said. "It was a good life experience. It was daunting at the time but it builds character and made me stronger for it."