IT’S THE VEEN TEAM
Gaffer hails striker but insists it’s a squad game
Kevin van Veen stole the show again as Motherwell made it five wins in seven games under Stuart Kettlewell.
But the thrilled boss insists it’s an all-round team effort which is bringing the best out of the Dutch talisman.
Van Veen struck twice to take his season’s tally to 22 before Max Johnston’s third sealed the success in a devastating first 34-minute burst.
Kettlewell knew when he took the job he had to get the best out of his prolific goalscorer who has notched eight times since the new gaffer arrived.
But he passed praise onto the entire unit who are carving the chances for their in-form hitman.
Kettlewell said: “I probably referenced Kevin being the guy who as soon as I walked in I knew I had to get the best out of someone who puts the ball in the net like he does.
“He scores all types of goals. Easter Road last week, these goals, inside the box, off the angle. But we need to function as a team making sure he’s in good areas.
“The wing-backs Max Johnston and James Furlong help in those situations. There are good users of the ball in the middle. So it’s about connecting everything and, if we do that, we give Kevin a chance to score.”
Van Veen thought he had a hat-trick only for a late effort to be ruled out through offside after a VAR check.
Kettlewell added: “Kevin is disappointed he didn’t get it which is a brilliant example for young players to see that continued motivation.
“I think he will be recognised by many throughout the country but the important thing is the team is being recognised.
“Ask him and he will think he can score more than 22. He’s in the best shape of his career.”
Van Veen’s f irst was a blistering goal.
A sweeping move involving Sean Goss, Mikael Mandron and Furlong supplied the Dutchman in the box and his powerful finish was deadly.
His second arrived when he beat keeper Shamal George at his near post and Motherwell were three up seconds later when Blair Spittal burst through onto a Goss pass.
Although he was blocked by George, Johnston followed up to stroke into an empty net and VAR overruled an incorrect offside flag.
The second period was a coast for the hosts and Kettlewell said: “I was delighted with the clean sheet and three goals.
“There were moments we could have been better but we scored at crucial stages.
“The most pleasing thing is the nature of goals. It’s the things we work hard on during the week.”