Motherwell boss says competition for places is exactly as fierce as he wants it to be

Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell wants his players to be climbing the walls to play on a Saturday, or working hard to get into the team if they’re on the sidelines.

Kettlewell believes competition for places is so fierce that people are fighting to be in the matchday squad, let alone on the pitch – a scenario that is exactly what he has been building towards.

That has led to Motherwell being on a run of six wins in their last seven games, fourth place in the Premiership and in a Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers next month, as they welcome eighth-placed Dundee to Fir Park this afternoon.

Kettlewell is taking absolutely nothing for granted in that game, and won’t let his players relax for even a second as they strive for the next target or challenge ahead.

“We didn’t break up [for international games], thinking it’s holiday time and we’ve actually achieved something, because that’s never going to work for us,” said Kettlewell.

“There was plenty of work last week, and there’s been plenty of work done in the build-up.

“It has always been about trying to find a level of consistency.

“We find ourselves with a group of players that are performing well, that are high in confidence.

“I don’t see one bad 45 minutes, one bad moment in a game, derailing that in any way. We’re trying to build something that has longevity, and I always have been.”

Kettlewell added: “I always believe in pushing boundaries. I believe in trying to challenge ourselves, and never slipping into a comfort zone.

“My job is to have players climbing the walls to get out there on a Saturday.

“If you’re in the team, you’re desperate to put on a display. If you’re not, you’re desperate to come out and make the impact that many of our substitutes have