Hard work paying off for goalkeeper Gillespie

Goalkeeper Mark Gillespie hopes the hard work he puts in behind the scenes comes to fruition after being handed a sudden chance to take the gloves at Motherwell.

Gillespie admitted he thought he might become Fir Park No 1 sooner, with Trevor Carson tipped for a big move. But the Northern Ireland international stayed at the club and retained his place.

After one Betfred Cup appearance against Edinburgh City and a substitute outing against Hearts, Gillespie looked set for a season on the sidelines.

But Carson was struck by deep vein thrombosis last month and will miss the remainder of the season.

Gillespie has impressed in three games since then and saved a penalty in the midweek draw with Celtic.

Speaking ahead of today’s trip to face hearts, gillespie admitted he thought Carson might have moved on in the summer. The former Carlisle and Walsall keeper said: “That’s water under the bridge. There was a chance of that but in football there’s no guarantees.

“It was just a case of getting my head down and working hard, but long term I wanted to play games. I have the chance to do that now and it’s a case of making the most of it.

“The work that I have put in over the past four or five months when I wasn’t playing hopefully comes out in the games over the next few weeks.

“Obviously it’s not the best way to get in and first and foremost everyone at the club hopes Trevor gets better soon. But football goes on so, once I knew I had my chance, I knew I had to take it.”

The 26-year-old added: “I’m really enjoying it. Even when I wasn’t playing. The club has been brilliant and going around the different stadiums you get a feel for the league.

“Being out there is even better and to make a penalty save in a big game on the TV with a great atmosphere was obviously a good contribution.”