EUROPA CRUNCH NIGHT
Selling stars a fact of life for Well gaffer Robinson
MOTHERWELL v GLENTORAN 7.45PM, PREMIER SPORTS 2 STEPHEN ROBINSON insists Motherwell can cope without David Turnbull as they begin their European journey tonight - because they managed to get there without him.
The midfielder missed training yesterday as he closes in on a £3million move to Celtic and he is set to sit out this evening as Well make their Euro return after a sixyear absence against Glentoran.
Robinson admitted he’d be delighted for the Scotland Under-21 star if the move goes through but asked if his absence would disrupt preparations he said: “No, we finished third with the midfield that we had.
“We sell players. We develop them. We have done that for the last three-and-a-half years and we have done it very successfully.
“David is a top, top talent and one of the best I believe Scotland will have ever produced.
“I can’t sing his praises high enough in terms of his mentality and his talent.
“But listen, we lose players every year. That is the model at Motherwell. That’s how we survive.”
Robinson is taking nothing for granted against the Irish Cup champions, for whom star man Robbie McDaid has netted in each of the last three games.
He said: “I know every one of their players.
“I’ve worked with probably 90 per cent of them over various age group levels - Under-21s down to Under-16s so I know their attributes and their weaknesses and no stone will be left unturned.
“Ultimately if we play the way we are capable of, I’m confident we can get the job done.”
Robinson is also wary of the threat posed by former Well forward Gael Bigirimana as he revealed he sold the Belfast club on the Burundi international just a few months ago.
He said: “I actually got him to Glentoran. I think he’s a great, great boy. I’m surprised nobody has taken a gamble on him in the SPL.
“He is probably the most unselfish player I have come across. He is just a wonderful human being. We’re well aware of Bigi and the dangers and threats he brings from set plays and on the ball.”