Robinson backing Donnelly to fulfil Fir Park promise

MOTHERWELL boss Stephen Robinson has challenged Liam Donnelly to show the abilities that made him a teenage sensation — after seeing a move into midfield bring four goals in three outings in the Betfred Cup.

Donnelly netted twice, with goals from Liam Polworth and James Scott helping to secure top spot in Group E with maximum points, 13 goals scored and none conceded.

Robinson worked with the 23-year-old at youth level for Northern Ireland and recalls how he was tipped for the top when leaving Dungannon Swifts for Fulham as a kid and captaining the Craven Cottage club to the FA Youth Cup final.

Used as a centre-back before injury struck after arriving from Hartlepool last summer, Donnelly has been talked into trying his luck as a defensive midfielder and Robinson believes he can carve out a bright future further forward.

‘I’ve worked with Liam since he was 16,’ he recalled. ‘At Fulham, they thought he’d be a top footballer but he lost his way a little bit and we have galvanised him again. He’ll get better in that role. People questioned why I signed him but he’s a very good player if we keep him fit.

‘He reads the game well, he’s quick, he has two good feet and now he’s added goals.’

Robinson rotated his new-look squad again by making six changes from the side which won 2-0 at Dumbarton. Donnelly was one of those recalled and broke the deadlock on 20 minutes.

He hit a powerful shot from Chris Long’s cutback past the flailing arm of Annan No 1 Lyle Avci. Polworth made it two after a clinical finish with Avci off his line.

The home side were on top throughout and in the 89th minute, moments after home keeper Mark Gillespie had denied Kyle Wilkie from pointblank range, Donnelly fizzed a terrific rightfooted shot high into the Annan net.

Substitute Scott then wrapped it up in stoppage-time with a superb curling effort.