Higdon: I’m backing fearless Motherwell to Steel the Cup – I’m putting money on old side
MICHAEL HIGDON insists the Fir Park fighting spirit will ensure hope springs eternal for Motherwell at Hampden.
And the former Well hero is ready to put his money where his mouth is by backing his old club to stun Celtic and lift the Scottish Cup.
Stephen Robinson’s men are huge underdogs for Saturday’s clash but Higdon believes they’re worth a bet.
The Scouser sees the same BY GORDON PARKS all-for-one mentality that was in place during his time in Lanarkshire when the Steelmen regularly defied the odds under Stuart McCall.
And he’s more than happy to take a punt on them stopping Celtic’s bid for a double treble.
The 34-year-old said: “Motherwell are fearless. It’s because they all understand their jobs and don’t leave much out there.
“It’s similar to when I was there. The team never changed that much, everyone understood their roles.
“It looks like they play for their manager and they’ve got a good team spirit. That was the same in my time.
“I don’t think finance comes into it really. If you enjoy playing football and you have the spirit they’ve got then that’s half the battle. I do give Motherwell hope for the game.
“Celtic haven’t scored in the last few games and Motherwell are going to surprise a few people.
“I’ll be placing a bet on Motherwell for Saturday.”
Higdon’s decision to hang up his boots 18 months ago after a spell at Bangor City was down to a loss of appetite for the game but he rates his
time in Lanarkshire as the best of his career.
The striker won the PFA Player of the Year award for season 2012-13 and scored 43 goals during 82 appearances for Well.
But it was a League Cup Final loss in 2010 as a St Mirren player against nine-man Rangers which remains the biggest low of his career.
He said: “I never won anything at Motherwell apart from personal accolades. If the current boys were to win the Cup it would make them legends.
“I played in a couple of finals and I still don’t how I lost that one with St Mirren against Rangers when they had only nine men.
“Kenny Miller scored and that was a heartbreaker.”
The self-confessed Liverpool fanatic admits glory for Motherwell and a Champions League success for the Reds over Real Madrid would complete a double beyond his wildest dreams.
He said: “That would be an incredible double. I’d be so happy. How good are Liverpool just now. I’d be more ecstatic if they won but I’d be delighted for Motherwell too. I’ve got a wee feeling they’ll do it.”