Stuart Kettlewell gives his thoughts on the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock.

As we prepare to take on Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup this weekend, we take a trip down memory lane to August 2023 when Motherwell put on a very late show for the Fir Park crowd.

Stuart Kettlewell knows how important cup runs can be when it comes to growing the football club and has made has made that a priority going into this week's last 16 tie against Kilmarnock in the Premier Sports Cup. The Motherwell boss believes bringing Tony Watt back for his second spell was a good bit of business and believes that the 30-year-old will do his talking on the pitch to win over the Fir Park faithful. Kettlewell also provides an update on Apostolos Stamatelopoulos's injury after it was confirmed he would be sidelined for six weeks.

Returning for his second spell, Tony Watt insists there's not any bad blood with Dundee United and that he wants supporters to give him a chance at winning them over.  The forward confirmed his arrival this week for the season on loan and feels he can make an instant impact this week. Asked why he has chosen to return, Watt revealed his loving relationship with the club didn't stop after his departure in 2022 and that coming back was always something he wanted.

Tony Watt became a fan-favourite for his goals and raw endeavour during his first spell in ML1. Scoring 19 goals and leading the line in style got the fans off their seats.  However, that good work didn't go unnoticed and soon enough, Premiership rivals Dundee United brought him to Tannadice in a deal that changed his family's life and his own. Now back for a second time, the reception has been mixed to the news of his arrival and that is something he expected. But, Watt only asks for the chance to outwork the criticism as he aims to reignite a loving relationship with the supporters and local community.

Tony Watt has returned to the club on loan. After a hugely successful first spell, where he scored 19 goals, the striker needs to prove himself again this season.

Motherwell visited the national stadium looking for back-to-back wins against Rangers. In what was a hectic first 25 minutes, chances came for both teams. Rangers converted two, while an own goal got Motherwell back level at one stage. A depleted Motherwell side found their way back into the match and had it not been for some world class goalkeeping from Jack Butland, the Steelmen may have been leaving Hampden with more than just a pat on the back.

The manager gives his thoughts on the 2-1 defeat to Rangers.

Summer signing Liam Gordon says he has settled in very quickly after his switch from St Johnstone and is looking forward to the season ahead.  With so many injuries amongst the squad, Gordon explains why it's important he does everything to avoid injury and also reminisces about his previous ventures to the national stadium.

Stuart Kettlewell is quizzed about the eight injured players amongst his squad, as the Motherwell boss outlines timescales on recovery.  He also discusses that despite competitive games against the old firm since he arrived means very little when it comes to Saturday's challenge at Hampden. Kettlewell says he will need to get creative with the players he has available.

Paul McGinn is entering his third season at Motherwell and in those first two years, he has adopted the nickname of the '7/10' from supporters for his consistency in all matches.  Whilst that two years has been successful for McGinn, this is the first time in his career that he has taken the armband, having been named vice-captain on more than once occasion. Taking some advice from former captains that he has played under, McGinn wants to remain the way he is and become a bridge for all players in the first-team dressing room and Under 18s. Keeping the dressing room clean and healthy is on the top of his to do list, and with the help of a 'power group' within the squad, that task looks achievable as the squad begin to settle down for the long season that is ahead of them.

Improvement was what Stuart Kettlewell wanted after the Motherwell performance six days prior, and in the league curtain raiser against Ross County, there were elements that were much improved. With the better of the chances and a solid defensive showing, the Steelmen just couldn't find the back of the net to make it a three point start to the new campaign. With a trip to Rangers looming, taking the shackles off and becoming that bit more creative is the next task on the horizon.