Gillespie backs Well to finish in top half

MOTHERWELL keeper Mark Gillespie has backed the Fir Park men to deliver a psychological blow to rivals by storming into the top half for the first time this term.

The Steelmen travel to Easter Road tomorrow and a win will see them leapfrog sixth-placed Hibs.

Well have been on a wonderful run, winning seven of their last nine league outings to pull clear of a relegation fight and into contention for a top-six finish.

They are battling with Hibs and St Johnstone for a top-six spot and Gillespie knows if they can climb into the top half it will lay down a marker.

He said: “It’s a massive game and it’s a credit to the lads that we are in this position given where we were around Christmas. “But these are the games you want to play in when there is a lot at stake and we can really put down a marker for the last few games before the split if we can get a positive result.

“We’re really looking forward to it and confident.

“It would be a psychological blow to the other teams if we went into the top six. We’ve certainly got the momentum going into the game.

“But Hibs have been on a decent run since their new manager has come in, so it’s two sides in form.

“The fact we haven’t been in the top six yet just gives everyone a little bit of extra motivation to push on.

“If we get into the top six with a few games left then it’s up to us to cling on to it.

“It gives you an extra drive to finish this part of the season well because you want to be playing the best teams and against the best players after the split.

“We’ve four massive games, four BY MICHAEL BAILLIE cup finals really, but we’re looking forward to it.”

Gillespie has kept five clean sheets in his last eight games but insists the entire team deserve credit for the shut-outs.

Since coming into the team after Trevor Carson was ruled out long term with deep vein thrombosis, Gillespie has a higher save percentage rate than England internationals Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford.

In his 18 league outings for Well Gillespie’s save percentage stands at 79.22 per cent and he’s pleased with his form.

He said: “I’ve been delighted with the clean sheets but it’s a team effort. From the front Curtis Main works really hard to stop goals at source, the midfield three have been outstanding and the back three haven’t put a foot wrong really.

“In certain games I’ve had to make saves and it’s about keeping my concentration and keeping things solid.

“When you are winning games and picking up points you get the plaudits but I’ve been pleased with my form and trying to keep it going for the rest of the season.

“I get my stats and save percentage sent to me and it’s been really good and I’m pleased with that.

“But the most important thing is results and if the team are playing well and winning games that’s what matters most. All in all it’s been a good spell for the team.

“I was always confident if I was able to stake a claim I could do well.

“It was terrible what happened to Trevor, I speak with him a lot, and the most important thing is he makes a full recovery.”