Our league campaign’s not Dunne
Charles: Derby will help seal Final slots
CHARLES DUNNE has warned Hamilton to expect no half measures from a Motherwell side out to cement starting spots for the Scottish Cup Final. The Fir Park defender is adamant there will be no holding back in the Lanarkshire derby for fear of injury before their showpiece against Celtic at Hampden. It’s also a chance to build on a midweek win over Partick Thistle that helped make amends for a 5-1 hammering by St Johnstone last weekend. Dunne said: “It has been 100 per cent all week. Nobody has been pulling out of tackles or dropping down a gear.
“Just because there is a final around the corner it doesn’t mean anyone will be easing off or anything other than fully committed against Hamilton.
“If you’re going to get injured, you’re going to get injured. There’s nothing you can do about it and we just need to give it our all. “We must make sure we go into the Final in the best way possible and if we were to lift the trophy it would be amazing – the best feeling ever. “This is a game where you can put yourself in the picture for the Final. “If you haven’t been in the manager’s plans it’s a chance to grab a jersey. “The manager has made it clear there are places up for grabs so there is a huge incentive. “He has emphasised that point all week.” The 25-year-old Englishman was BY GORDON PARKS delighted to claim the points at Firhill and the full focus is now on making sure they build on that success before the biggest game of their season.
He said: “It was crucial we managed to get a result at Partick. There needed to be a reaction from the St Johnstone loss, we owed that to ourselves and the manager.
“There’s plenty at stake. It’s a derby so this game will take care of itself.
“But it’s also a huge game as we look to carry the momentum from midweek through to the Cup Final.
“The game against Hamilton is the type that whets my appetite – a big derby with a big crowd.
“It’s our last home game of the season so hopefully a large section of our fans will come out to support us. We know these derby games are huge for the fans so nobody can afford to down tools early.”
Well boss Stephen Robinson won’t be wrapping any players up in cotton wool and has told his squad to play their way into a starting spot for Hampden.
He said: “Whoever plays in the derby we will put a competitive team out. They are playing for cup final places either on the bench or in the starting line-up.
“It’s up to the boys I put out to take their opportunities. Some have waited a while for it, some need their fitness and haven’t played for a couple of weeks.
“I will also look to rest some and make sure they are 100 per cent ready to go.
“Everyone will agree that next Saturday is a huge game for the club. We have a lot of knocks and minor injuries and it’s something I will have to look at over the next 48 hours.”
Nobody has been pulling out of tackles or dropping down a gear CHARLES DUNNE