Michael Temlett
Richard Tait is relishing being fit again Tait targeting last-16 spot after ending his injury hell
Springhill ABC boxer Willie Hutchison has capitalised on his amateur success by turning professional.
The 18- year- old has signed for Hayemaker Promotions, run by former world champion David Haye, as he takes the next step in a promising career.
Last year, the Shotts fighter became Scotland’s first ever world youth champion and head coach Frank Delaney has tipped the youngster for the top.
He said: “I remember Willie told me he was going to be world champion — and he did it last year.
“After that he always talked about winning the ‘big’ world championship, so now he’s off to be a professional.”
Motherwell defender Richard Tait returned from his injury hell and urged the Steelmen to roar into the next round of the Betfred Cup.
The right- back admitted the four month lay-off was the worst of his career as he underwent an operation on his groin after playing Kilmarnock at the start of March. But Tait returned to competitive action on Saturday and helped Well to an easy 5- 1 win over Queen’s Park in Group F and now wants to almost guarantee qualification with a win over Morton this Saturday at Fir Park. The former Grimsby man said: “It’s great to be back and I was out for a long, long time. “To get back on the pitch, all thanks goes to Aileen Anderson and David Henderson (club physios) for helping me make the 70-minute mark.
“I’m delighted to be back and was delighted with the result.
“That’s the worst injury I’ve had because it’s the first time I’ve had an operation, so it’s the longest time out I’ve had.
“It was frustrating for myself because I’m a pretty fit guy outside of football and to not be able to do stuff and get told to rest is probably the hardest thing for myself to do.
“I felt great and got my second wind after the second half.
“I probably could’ve finished the game but I was hitting the wall towards the 70 minute mark.
“It was probably right to come off then because I think I spent a three-minute spell hovering around up front because I couldn’t get back!
“It’s proper competitive games and we want to get through to the next stage of the cup.
“We’re getting bits and bobs out of our system from the off-season, so it can be frustrating but I’d rather be playing in these games than pre-season games.
“It’s important for the club to have a cup
run and as a player, personally I want to win trophies and this is a good chance for us to do it.
“Pre-season games are for fitness but now we’re playing for points and to get in to the next round.”
Tait also hopes Louis Moult will remain a Well player after his 20-minute cameo provided yet another goal for the club.
With speculation running rife about his future, Tait (right) hopes Moult can stay and help propel the club into the top six.
He said:“I think everyone knows how important Louis is to the team and to Motherwell Football Club.
“He had 20 minutes on the pitch and showed what he can do. He’s a valuable asset to the club and I’d love to see him stay here and score more goals for us.
“Top six will be the aim — and the quality that has come in has shown that.
“It’ll take a bit of time to gel but so far so good.”
For an on-the-whistle match report from Saturday’s clash with Morton, follow @PressSport on Twitter.