McHugh ready to put smile on Well fans’ faces

CARL McHugh had his smile restored by a Motherwell fan who regaled him of past glories — now the Fir Park captain aims to repay the favour by giving every supporter a day they will never forget.

The Donegal man underwent emergency dental treatment to the backdrop of tales of the Motherwell team who last lifted the Scottish Cup in 1991.

The memories helped ease the pain of McHugh’s spell in the dentist’s chair and reinforced the midfielder’s determination to bring the trophy back to the Lanarkshire town for a third time.

McHugh has seen the community’s spirits lifted and he aims to raise them even further in today’s Hampden final against Celtic.

“It’s great for the whole town, it gives the people the chance to get out and have something to look forward to,” said the former Bradford player, who has lost League Cup finals in England and Scotland.

“We are just focusing on trying to go one better and give them something to really celebrate and be proud of their town.

“I got one of my teeth knocked out at Ross County and the dentist was a big Motherwell fan, and he was telling me about ‘91 and all that. He was in Dortmund as well in the Uefa Cup.

“It was great to hear those experiences and it would be great for all of the people in the town.” • RANGERS have announced the signing of Jamie Murphy on a three-year contract.

The winger has penned a permanent deal at Ibrox after impressing on a six-month loan from Brighton.

Murphy made 19 appearances for Rangers, scoring five goals.