Robinson talks up Maguire’s Hampden chances after impressive debut

Posted Sunday, April 08, 2018 by PA

Teenager Barry Maguire played himself into contention for a Hampden appearance on his Motherwell debut, according to manager Stephen Robinson.

Maguire had an assured introduction to first-team football during a goalless draw against St Johnstone, seven days before Motherwell take on Aberdeen in the William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals.

Fellow defender Charles Dunne is confident of returning from a hamstring strain next weekend but 19-year-old Maguire was given encouragement after stepping into a back three for the Perth draw.

Liam Grimshaw and Gael Bigirimana came into the Motherwell midfield with Chris Cadden rested for more than an hour and Allan Campbell missing with an ankle knock, and Robinson was pleased with their contribution too.

“The main thing was we got through it without any injuries,” he said.

“For me, young Barry Maguire making his debut was quality – really, really good. So he has put himself in the frame for next week as well.

“The boys that came in, Bigi and Grimmy, did really well considering they hadn’t played for a while. Grimmy has been out for five weeks.

“So there were some very good performances to take into next week. If we have that same discipline and organisation then we have got a chance.”

Andy Rose also made his comeback from a fractured kneecap in the 73rd minute and Robinson was happy to take a point from a largely uneventful encounter at McDiarmid Park.

“Listen, St Johnstone are a very hard team to play against,” he said. “They have been in the top six for the last number of years and they were there for a reason: they are well-organised and well-disciplined.

“It was a difficult surface to play football on, and I think that led to a lot of errors if I’m being honest. It’s this time of the year with the weather we have had, everyone does their best with it.”

Saints had the best move of the game when Trevor Carson saved David Wotherspoon’s volley before Bigirimana and Grimshaw threatened late on.

Home boss Tommy Wright said: “The pitches at this time of the season are getting a bit dried out and it was a bit bobbly.

“We got into some good positions but we just lacked that final ball. We put the same types of crosses in, we didn’t look to cut it back or pick somebody out, and if we had done that we would probably have worked their keeper a bit more.

“It certainly wasn’t one for the purists but there was a lot of endeavour and I did feel in that system (3-5-2) we try and play a bit more with the ball.

“First half we lacked a wee bit of urgency, second half there was a bit more excitement but neither side could break each other down.”