Main man up for the League Cup
Englishman loving pre-season graft
It ’s no surprise to discover hard-working Motherwell striker Curtis Main was happy to be back on the training pitch so quickly.
And while the Betfred Cup schedule has its critics, the powerful striker is looking forward to getting back to competitive action so quickly in a competition that proved so successful for the Steelmen last year.
They kick off their campaign next Tuesday aga i n s t Edinburgh City at Fir Park, looking to go one better than their rollercoaster ride to a 2- 0 final loss to Celtic last November.
After enjoying a two-week holiday with his family, the Englishman is happy to be back grafting in preparation for another assault on silverware this season.
“It’s definitely hard work,” the 26- year- old said of preseason so far.
“But the reason you do the hard work is so when the season comes around you’re more than prepared for the challenges ahead.
“Everyone understands that and now it’s head down and get on with it.
“I’m looking forward to those challenges (the Betfred Cup). It’s nice to get back into the games so quickly, rather than just training for four or five weeks without playing any football.
“It’s definitely nice to get back into the games early doors and I’m looking forward to them.”
Main was an instant hit for the Steelmen when he joined from Portsmouth in the January transfer window, notching several important goals – including a brace against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final – and working his socks off for the side from day one.
Now he’s looking forward to proving what he can do in a claret and amber shirt with a full pre-season under his belt.
He said: “I’m definitely looking forward to starting the season from the beginning.
“Obviously coming in half way through last season, it’s always difficult when you join a club in January.
“I felt like it went well ( though) and I’m looking forward to building on that this season.
“If we can replicate the success of last season and go one step further this season that would obviously be brilliant. You have to build on your success, otherwise you’ll get complacent and then things maybe won’t go the way you want.
“The manager’s been totally clear from day one that last season was last season, and that this season we’re looking to build in every area.”
After facing Edinburgh City on Tuesday, Motherwell travel to face League One side Stranraer at Stair Park on Saturday, July 21 before returning to Fir Park to take on Championship team Queen of the South the following Tuesday night.
The Steelmen will complete their pre- season fixtures tomorrow night. They beat Darlington 5- 1 away on Saturday and are due to play Dunfermline at East End Park tomorrow.
New signings Danny Johnson and Aaron TaylorSinclair have impressed so far in pre- season and will be hoping to make their first competitive appearance for Stephen Robinson’s side against James McDonaugh’s Edinburgh City.
Peter Hartley will also be hoping to complete his returns to the side after a long-term injury.
I’m definitely looking forward to starting the season from the beginning.”