'Well defender dreams of place in George Burley's squad

Feb 4 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

MOTHERWELL left back Steven Hammell is hoping to force his way into the Scotland set-up for the upcoming World Cup double header against Holland and Iceland.

The 26-year-old has been a virtual ever-present in the Motherwell side since re-joining the club last January after an 18-month spell at Southend.

Teammates Stephen Hughes and David Clarkson have been strongly touted as potential Scotland squad members for next month’s crucial qualifiers as Hammell has quietly and efficiently gone about his business at Fir Park.

Arguably the Steelmen’s most consistent performer this season, the defender was not included in the Scotland squad for this weekend’s get-together in St Andrew’s. Nevertheless he still hopes he can add to the one cap he gained under then caretaker boss Tommy Burns in 2004 against Sweden.

Former Jambo Gary Naysmith is currently in possession of the left back shirt and has started all three World Cup qualifiers under new national boss George Burley.

However it has been a problem position for a number of years now, one which Hammell feels he could fill.

“I don’t think that left back slot is locked down at all,” Hammell told the Wishaw Press this week.

“But I don’t know how close I am or if I am in the manager’s thoughts, although I am happy with the way I am playing just now.”

“All I can do is play well for Motherwell and see what happens. I feel I’m playing well.”

Hammell was in fine form once again at the weekend against Hibernian as George Burley watched on from the stands.

But he admits his side missed the predatory instincts of Chris Porter as they came away from Easter Road disappointed with the 1-1 scoreline.

Porter signed for Derby County on Monday and Hammell paid tribute to his former teammate saying: “He would be a loss to any team in Scotland. His all round play is excellent and he fitted in to our team well.

“It will be a big loss but hopefully the players that have been waiting in the wings will get a chance.”

Hammell spent a season playing in the Championship with Southend and has backed the striker to be a success down south.

He said: “I think he will do really well. He is a good player and will score goals pretty much anywhere he plays.

“Ports was really popular, if a little bit quieter than some of the guys in the dressing room. A lot of the boys will keep in touch with him.

“He’s gone to a great club and I wish him all the best.”

Meanwhile Hammell believes an extended run in this season’s Scottish Cup can make up for their UEFA and Co-Operative Insurance Cup woe.

The Fir Parkers were knocked out of each competition by AS Nancy and local rivals Hamilton Accies in a nightmare eight days at the beginning of the season.

And after seeing off Inverurie Loco’s 3-0 on Monday, Hammell has targeted a Scottish Cup win over St Mirren this weekend.

He said: “We have got a great chance and the draw has been quite good to us.

“I got to the league cup final a few years ago with Motherwell only to be beaten by Rangers 5-1, which was one of the lowest points of may career. So it would be good to get back to Hampden and rectify that.”