Motherwell could face Celtic with depleted squad as injuries mount up

Motherwell boss Steven Hammell admits the last thing he needed was more injuries after defender Ricki Lamie hobbled off in today's defeat to Rangers.

And it leaves the Steelmen sweating on what squad they will be able to piece together for Wednesday's visit of Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.

Strikers Jo Efford and Louis Moult missed the clash through injury, while Blair Spittal was also absent from the 2-1 defeat at Fir Park.

Motherwell couldn't fill their bench either as academy prospects Luca Ross and Mark Ferrie were in the squad alongside 16-year-old Lennon Miller.

Lamie was forced off just before the hour mark to be replaced by Bevis Mugabi and while his injury isn't thought to be too serious, time will tell if he will be fit enough for Wednesday.

Hammell said: "Ricki is okay, we'll assess it as we go. It's an impact on his ribs, very similar to Blair Spittal.

"The last thing we need right now is anymore injury concerns because every forward player we have was either on the pitch today or injured or suspended.

"We are looking at the bench and we've only got a couple of 16 year old kids and we couldn't even fill the bench today as well.

"We hope it will be better by Wednesday because we need these players back.

"We've got a thin squad and a lot of quality starters are out just now so hopefully we will see a few of them returning soon."

Hammell's side welcome the Hoops having run them close in a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park in the league at the start of the month, and he is confident they will be able to give them a game again.

Asked if the recent display and the showing against Rangers gives him confidence they can compete with Celtic, Hammell said: "We have competed in every single game we've played