Hibs will be tough - they all will be - but we can take points, says Motherwell boss

Motherwell boss Stevie Hammell says Hibs will provide a tough test at Easter Road this afternoon, but they relish the challenge.

The Steelmen’s trip to Edinburgh is the first in a tough run of games over the next 21 days, hosting Rangers in the Premiership and Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final in the space of three days.

Motherwell then host Aberdeen on October 22, before travelling to struggling Dundee United seven days later.

Hammell reckons Lee Johnson’s side will provide a big obstacle in the capital, but they go into it with confidence, having thumped Ross County 5-0 last Tuesday, going up to sixth in the table.

He said: “It’s a challenge we relish. Every game is a big game.

“As a player, coach, manager, these are the games you relish.

“Of course they’re going to be very difficult, but we’ve already put a few good wins together in difficult games this season.

“It’s going to require us to be close to our maximum, for these games, especially how quickly they’re coming, how high-profile they are, and how important they are to the club.

“Hibs are a good team. Obviously not having a midweek game gives them a little bit more time to prepare, but we’ve watched them, we’re fully prepared for what they do.

“I think we’ve gone to some difficult venues and won away from home, but the team need to believe, and do, that when we go here we’re good enough individually, collectively, to go to these places and pick up points – which is required if you’re going to have a good season.

“We need to maintain as good momentum as we possibly can. It’s going to be tough, it’s top opposition we’re playing, and if we’re not at it we’re going to come up short.

“They have a strong identity, individually they have players that can