STEP UP TO FILL THE FIR PARK VOID
BY LINDSAY HERRON STEPHEN ROBINSON is frustrated he is missing key men for Motherwell’s tough Premiership opener against Hibs at Easter Road.
But the Fir Park boss is calling on the replacements to step up to the plate and grab their chance.
Striker Ryan Bowman is out for six weeks after being clattered in the Betfred Cup clash with Queen of the South.
Defender Charles Dunne is also missing with a knock, midfielder Allan Campbell is suspended and winger Chris Cadden is touch and go.
Robinson said: “It’s frustrating but 90 per cent of managers are probably in the same position.
“They possibly have bigger squads to choose from but we won’t use it as an excuse.
“Yes, we have lost some influential players but people need to step up. It’s as simple as that.
“Before his injury Ryan was probably our best forward – he was playing so well. Chris Cadden is tentatively being brought back into training over the next day or so too.
“I’m hopeful he will be fit for Sunday but these are the things you just need to deal with in football.
“This is when other players need to step up.”
Robinson has been reasonably pleased with his side so far – but knows there is a far sterner test to come against Hibs who are scoring freely but also conceding heavily.
The Well boss added: “It’s not an easy start for us. I watched Hibs last week in Europe and they showed great character to come back and win.
“It’s tough but it’s also a great start – playing at Easter Road in front of a big crowd. It’s an exciting game and they always tend to be open against Hibs.
“That’s not to my liking and probably not to Lenny’s liking but it’s always interesting.
“There tends to be a lot of goals and excitement when you play Hibs but hopefully it’s not too open this time.
“They’re a good team and have threats on that big pitch at Easter Road.
“Martin Boyle and Florian Kamberi try to run in behind but we need to be ready for that – and also look to expose them at the other end.
“I like watching Hibs play as they do score and concede. That’s something Lenny will be looking to rectify. They try to outscore teams and have the ability to do that.
“So we need to be disciplined, organised and patient.”
Robinson is pleased with results so far, even if Sunday will be a step-up.
He said: “I’ve been pleased with the outcomes of the Betfred Cup games. It’s a results business and we haven’t lost a game.
“We scored goals and created chances but we can get better. There is improvement to come.
“We know we have to step it up against Hibs but all our strikers have been scoring and that’s pleasing.”