McClair hopes his United protege Liam shines on Hampden stage for Well

BRIAN McCLAIR reckons his old Manchester United graduate Liam Grimshaw can be a Hampden hero.

The former Motherwell and Celtic striker admits he’ll have split loyalties during Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final.

While McClair doesn’t mind who wins he will have added interest in the display of Grimshaw who signed a new one-year deal with Well yesterday.

As a youngster at Old Trafford, the Fir Park midfielder was under the guidance of the ex-United academy director.

McClair now hopes Grimshaw, 23, makes the most of his opportunity to become a Well legend at the National Stadium.

He said: “Grimmy is a cracking lad. He has a good work ethic. He’s not one who would catch your eye in the sense he is a star player.

“But star players need good professionals around about them, somebody who will do the job no matter what position.

“He would play rightback, left-back, centreback or midfield. If you asked him to go in goals he would just get on with it.

“That’s been huge for him already because he is carving out a career in Scotland and now he is playing in his second final. That must be a dream.

“I met Liam just before the League Cup Final and said to him, ‘Just enjoy the day, you never know what might happen in your life. This might be the pinnacle of your career’. Now he’s in another one.

“You always have divided loyalties when you play for Well and Celtic. I just want it to be an attractive game of football.”

Grimshaw and his team-mates will earn their place in the club’s folklore if they produce a massive shock at Hampden.

Earlier in the season the Steelmen blew the chance to down the Hoops in the League Cup showpiece.

But McClair insists the experience won’t have done the players any harm and can be used as a motivation this weekend.

He said: “They could have won the League Cup. They were very strong. Sometimes it’s just down to fortune.

“Being involved in that final will help them and Celtic can have an off day. Just believe.

“You have got to play the game not the occasion. If Motherwell do that they have a good chance.”

Grimshaw and Andy Rose have been pivotal in Well’s double final feat and gaffer Stephen Robinson is delighted to have the duo on board next season.

He said: “Both have been key figures in the squad this campaign and we’re glad they are staying.”