Forbes believes Motherwell will bounce back

Jul 8 2009 by Andrew Weston, Wishaw Press

YOUNGSTER Ross Forbes believes Motherwell have what it takes to overcome their narrow 1-0 deficit when they take on Llanelli at the Parc y Scarlets in the second leg of their Europa League tie tomorrow night (Thursday, July 9).

The Steelmen suffered one of the worst results in their history last week when they lost to the Welsh Premier League minnows at New Broomfield in what was an embarrassing first game in charge for new boss Jim Gannon.

A 28th minute header by defender Stuart Jones was enough for the part-timers to secure their most famous result since the club was formed back in 1896.

But Forbes (20), who was one of the few Motherwell players to come out of the first leg with their head held high in what was his first start for the senior team, is confident ahead of tomorrow night’s match.

“Hopefully we can do better in Wales,” the midfielder said.

“They put everybody they had behind the ball (in the first leg). It was the first time I had experienced that. It was difficult to play against. But we are pretty optimistic that we can turn things around.”

He added: “We had our chances up here but never took them.

“Early on, in particular, we had opportunities to score and passed them up.

“If we had scored early on it could have been a different story and maybe would have settled us down a bit.”

A regular in the Motherwell U19 side, Forbes has also gained experience in the ’Well reserve team where he has turned in several impressive performances.

His potential was noted as far back as 2006 when he was part of the Scotland U17 set-up.

Back in January, Forbes joined Third Division Dumbarton on a loan deal until the end of the season to give him a taste of first-team football and helped the Sons to the title.

And having enjoyed his first taste of European action against Llanelli, Forbes is determined to prove his worth back at Motherwell and believes he, along with the other youngsters who played against Llanelli last week, can force their way into Gannon’s plans.

He said: “As is the case with any new manager, you have to impress him, show him what you can do, to get a regular game. I think a few of us have done that.

“If anybody fails to impress the manager then there will be places up for grabs and there will be a few boys who will be trying their hardest to force their way into the picture.

“The new manager has a definite idea of how he wants us to play.

“He is keen for us to get the ball down and pass it, and he also looks as though he will give the young lads a chance.”

Gannon showed faith in the European rookie in the first leg after hooking experienced midfielder Keith Lasley at half-time and opting to keep faith with Forbes who worked well alongside fellow U19 teammate Paul Slane in the second half.

Forbes continued: “I was a wee bit surprised that I was given the chance to start the first match but I enjoyed it and I felt that I did alright as well.

“I think all the young boys, Stevie Saunders, Robert McHugh and Paul Slane, acquitted themselves well in what was a very big game for the club.”