McCall focused on Hoops clash

McCall focused on Hoops clash

Published Feb. 26, 2013 1:15 p.m. ET

Kris Boyd could make his first start since rejoining Kilmarnock against Hibernian at Easter Road on Wednesday night.

However, there are doubts over defender Momo Sissoko and midfielder Borja Perez.

Sissoko underwent a minor eye operation on Monday, but could still play, while Borja went off with a hamstring injury during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Aberdeen.

Captain Manuel Pascali is out for the season with a hamstring injury.

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Hibernian striker Leigh Griffiths is fit after suffering a dead leg against Dundee United on Sunday but has trained as normal.

Defender Tim Clancy remains on the sidelines with a hamstring injury but Hibs should otherwise have a full squad.

Hibs have only suffered consecutive defeats on two occasions this season, both times limited to two matches.

Their most recent loss, a 3-1 home defeat by St Johnstone that sparked an angry response from manager Pat Fenlon, was followed by frank talks. And Hibs would have made it two away wins in a row in their subsequent games had it not been for Johnny Russell's late controversial penalty at Tannadice on Sunday.

Fenlon has added a steel on the park and Stevenson hinted an ever-present determination to avoid defeat has also played a part in turning Hibs from Clydesdale Bank Premier League relegation candidates to European hopefuls.

Stevenson, who is set to start against Kilmarnock at Easter Road tomorrow night, said: "We got off to a flyer at the start of the season and had a dip in form.

"In previous seasons the dips in form have maybe been about 15-20 games whereas this season it is maybe five games, which is not great but it's a lot better than it has been.

"This year when we have been beaten, it shows a lot in the changing room and in training the next week how much it is hurting. Maybe in previous years it has not been like that.

"Especially after the St Johnstone game at home, we know we didn't play well. It was probably the poorest performance of the season.

"We had a chat the next day in training and got a lot of things out in the open. From there we have kicked on.

"It's a lot easier place to be when you are winning games and playing well."

The 25-year-old has been playing at right-back in recent games, with Tim Clancy still missing with a hamstring problem.

"I have been enjoying it," he said. "It helps when the team is winning and playing well. The St Mirren and Dundee United games are probably the best we have been playing for a while so that always helps."

Those games have seen him face in-form pair Esmael Goncalves and United's Gary Mackay-Steven and he faces another threat tomorrow night in James Dayton.

"I seem to pick them when they are in form, but every game is going to be tough," he said. "These are top teams but it helps when your team-mates are helping you out."

Stevenson has made 22 appearances this season despite not being as instrumental as he was when he won a string of club player of the year awards last term.

And the midfield player is looking to continue his one-club career next season.

"My contract is up in the summer," he said. "In the last few seasons I have found myself in the same situation.

"I know I have to work hard and perform well on match days and hopefully I will get a new contract.

"I would love to stay here but it's the club's decision.

"It's that busy, the club have got bigger things to sort out with trying to get in the top six. I am happy to wait and see what happens."

The Fir Park boss revealed earlier this month that he was close to signing a contract extension with the Steelmen and did not anticipate any obstacles in extending his stay in Lanarkshire.

He remains confident that his future will be tied up sooner rather than later.

But, having suffered back to back defeats against Dundee United and Ross County ahead of the visit of the champions, his thoughts have been occupied with more pressing matters.

McCall said: "It's not something that's been on my mind after Saturday.

"I went down to Wembley to watch my old team Bradford on Sunday so, coming in on Monday, my full focus has been on this game on Wednesday night. You've got to prepare correctly.

"There's not any reason for it, we've just not sat down with my representatives. There's no big dilemma with it."

Celtic head into tomorrow's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash bolstered by 12 goals in their last three outings, since losing to Juventus in the last 16 of the Champions League.

But McCall is hoping a timely return to form for his own side will see Well match their visitors on the night.

He said: "They've got an array of talent and a really good strong squad and they are putting in the performances at the moment.

"It's like any time we play the Old Firm, we are going to have to be at our best.

"I'm confident in the group of players that we've got that if we are at our best, then we can push them close.

"Our approach tomorrow will be to try to win the game and be as positive as we possibly can."

McCall's players have been made well aware they must show a significant improvement on Saturday's 3-0 defeat to Ross County.

He said: "I've got to be honest and say I can't remember the last time we were as limp and flat as that.

"I watched the game back and I don't know what it was but it certainly wasn't acceptable.

"It's not often you get every one of the team under performing and that's what we had on Saturday.

"That's not taking anything away from Ross County, who did the job. It's history now and we've got to make sure we don't have any more of those performances."

Motherwell have now slipped from the coveted runners-up berth to third in the table behind Inverness.

McCall said: "There are six games before we reach the split and everyone is still looking at being in the mix at the top and we are no different.

"I'm more than happy with this squad of players we've got.

"One disappointing performance on Saturday doesn't wreck all the hard work that's gone into this season.

"We've still got loads to play for and there are still exciting times ahead."

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