Former Dee Dec turns his attention to United after Dingwall setback

MOTHERWELL skipper Declan Gallagher is prepared to take his portion of the blame after the Steelmen went down against Ross County in their Premiership opener on Monday.

Well suffered a 1-0 defeat at Victoria Park, with former Dundee defender Gallagher giving away the penalty from which Ross Stewart netted the winning goal after being penalised by referee Nick Walsh for a challenge on Harry Paton.

Although Scotland international Gallagher had a claim he won the ball, he insists he will not shirk his share of criticism for making the tackle in the first place.

And he’s promised the Fir Park outfit will be ready to make amends when Dundee United come calling this weekend.

Gallagher said: “The referee said it was a clumsy tackle from me and I went through the boy. I dived to the side of the boy and when he hit the shot he went through me.

“It is a split second reaction the referee has, so if he thinks it is a penalty that is football. I just have to hold my hands up and take the blame.

“Maybe I shouldn’t have dived in but I felt I got the first touch. We win and lose as a team. It isn’t the result we wanted but we will look at the positives and negatives and make sure we are ready for the weekend.”

Motherwell spurned a glorious opportunity to restore parity late in the game when Liam Donnelly struck wide from the penalty spot. However, Gallagher refused to make the Northern Irishman the scapegoat.

Gallagher added: “When we missed the penalty I thought it might be one of those nights for us.

“Liam felt like he let the boys down but everyone had their part to play.”

Declan Gallagher gave away a penalty at Ross County.