Graeme Smith: 'Well can power into top half

Jan 28 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL stopper Graeme Smith believes his side has what it takes to stem the dangerous Hibernian forward line this weekend and leap above them into the top six of the SPL.

The 25-year-old goalkeeper is all too aware of what Hibs are capable of as an attacking force, having been on the receiving end of a 4-1 humbling back in November against the Edinburgh outfit at Fir Park.

However the goalkeeper believes the Steelmen are an altogether different proposition these days, pointing to their water-tight defensive unit that has only shipped one goal in four SPL games so far this year.

“I believe two things have happened that have helped us recently,” Smith told the Wishaw Press.

“Stephen (Craigan) has come back in and done really well.

“This has given the manager the opportunity to put Maros (Klimpl) in the middle of the park.

“I think he has done great for us in midfield.

“These two things have helped us kick on.”

He continued: “Jim O’Brien has also come into the team.

“He has been threatening in training for a number of weeks now to do that and he has caught the manager’s eye and does a good job too.”

The ’Well secured their first win of the season against Hibernian at the end of August, a late John Sutton strike securing a narrow 1-0 victory.

But the Lanarkshire club were on the receiving end last time out with the Hibees putting on the best display by an away side at Fir Park so far this season.

Steven Fletcher, Derek Riordan and Dean Shiels were Motherwell’s chief tormentors that day and Smith is all too aware where Hibernian’s strengths lie.

Motherwell’s number one said: “The strongest part of Hibs’ side is their forward line.

“A couple of their guys in midfield are good at getting forward as well.

“So we will have to defend well and ride a couple of storms.

“But if we are going well ourselves in attack then that should hopefully stop them.”

He added: “Easter Road is a good environment to play in so I am looking forward to that one.

“At the end of the season we need to see where we are but I believe we are a top six team and I’m sure all my teammates believe that as well.”

Much was made last weekend about the state of the Fir Park pitch that affected the quality of the football on display against Falkirk.

The Easter Road pitch is believed to be in an even worse condition but Smith feels that won’t necessarily detract from what is expected to be an exciting and open encounter.

“Sometimes it is not about passing football,” Smith claimed.

“You can get a good game with folk kicking each other and going in for 50-50 challenges.

“I think supporters like to see players giving their all.”

Meanwhile the goalie who is out of contract in the summer believes he will not be moving out of Fir Park before the January transfer window shuts.

Inverness Caledonian Thistle keeper Michael Fraser has agreed to join Motherwell in the summer.

But Smith claims that does not mean he is definitely on his way out.

He said: “We are still talking (with the club) and we will see what happens.

“I’m sure I will be here until the end of the season anyway and we will sort the situation out.”

Meanwhile, tonight’s rearranged Scottish Cup tie with Inverurie Locos remains in doubt. An inspection is due at 9am today (Wednesday).