Hollywood ending

Rose met movie A-listers in States... now he wants a fairytale finish with dramatic return from injury

ANDY ROSE is delighted to commit his future next door to Holytown as his fatherin-law rubs shoulders with A-listers in Hollywood.

The Motherwell midfielder is winning his fitness battle to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final after cracking his collarbone in last month’s 0-0 draw with Ross County.

Rose was out of contract at the end of the season but has agreed to stay at Well for at least another year and lay down roots at the height of such a cosmopolitan career.

Rose was born in Melbourne, raised in Bristol and spent much of his early career in the US, where he met and married wife Ryan, daughter of Los Angeles FC boss Bob Bradley.

Los Angeles FC are part owned by Will Ferrell and Magic Johnson but the stardust also sprinkled over Rose in his three years in the MLS with Seattle Sounders, whose owners include comedian Drew Carey, a Rangers fan, and Hollywood movie mogul Joe Roth, the studio boss behind blockbusters Daddy Day Care, Alice in Wonderland and Maleficent.

Motherwell’s most famous fan, club crooner Christian, hardly stands comparison.

Rose said: “I’ve met Drew and Joe several times, when we played at home in some of the bigger games like the derby against Portland Timbers. There’s a little bit of Hollywood up in Seattle.

“They were also there when LA Galaxy came to play with superstars David Beckham and Landon Donovan. In fact, playing against Beckham was probably my greatest experience. He was always my idol as I was part of the generation that watched him and Manchester United dominate English football for so many years.

“What LA have been able to do this season has been fantastic. Through 10 games they’re right up there at the top of the table and there’s a massive buzz when you bring in names like Will Ferrell.

“He’s always been a massive football fan, his kids all play. There is so much attacking talent and a lot of money being spent on the MLS. The games are a lot of fun and people are really starting to enjoy it.

“But it’s no different to an occasion over here. I experienced it in the League Cup Final, which was absolutely massive, walking out at Hampden, feeling that atmosphere and the passion of the crowds.

“I’m delighted we were able to agree something. I’m very excited to stay here. I have really enjoyed my year and it’s difficult to find such a great group of players.

“There are really good people at this club. I’m learning so much from Stephen Robinson and Keith Lasley and as young coaches in the game they both have tremendous futures ahead of them.”

Rose missed the last four games of the league season with his injury after falling awkwardly in an innocuous aerial challenge during the game against the Staggies.

He said: “I’m very hopeful. I started to train this week and I’m feeling good. I’d love to be part of it and definitely feel I can start. I’ve always prided myself on my fitness.

“It was up in the air for a spell – some people take a bit longer to return from a broken collarbone and others can come return a little quicker.

“The rehab has gone well and I feel fine, with a full range of movement.

“I told the boys not to take it easy on me on training, I wanted it tested and I feel fine.”

Rose started the League Cup Final against the Hoops in November when they were left smarting at the red card for Cedric Kipre that turned the game and ultimately allowed Celtic to establish a two-goal lead they never relinquished.

Celtic can reach out and touch history as the first club in Scotland to win back-toback trebles but Well are after a treble of their own, a third Scottish Cup victory to add to successes in 1952 and 1991.

Rose said: “In this country you’re inevitably going to be the underdog when you play against Celtic or Rangers. It’s fine. We’re happy in that role.

“They will have a bit more of the crowd than we will but we have experienced that already this season and we’re well aware of what that means. We’re really excited.

“I’m an older pro and I’ve been involved in some big games in my career and you have to remember they don’t come around every year.

“It’s important to enjoy the week leading up to it, focus on what has got you there, what has made you successful as an individual and as a team and make sure you help some of the younger guys on the team feel comfortable.”