Motherwell assistant manager Steve Robinson says that Motherwell owe their fans a performance at New Douglas Park this Saturday.

Robinson was gutted when a huge ‘Well support saw their team beaten easily towards the end of last season, and wants to put things right this weekend.

“We’re guaranteed to take a lot of fans there,” he said.

“The biggest disappointment for me last year was we had a lot there and second half we didn’t play well.

“They’re a tough team to play against. They’re big, strong, aggressive. If you don’t match them for that they’ll push you over.

“But it’s about what we do. We’ve worked on areas to exploit.

“We know how important it is to people. When we get beat we’re as disappointed as everyone.

“We’re three points off sixth place and if we beat Hamilton we go level on points with them.”

Robinson insists that he is fully focussed on Motherwell, despite his country being on the brink of Euro 2016 qualification.

Robinson combines his duties at Fir Park with a backroom role with Northern Ireland, who are on the brink of sealing their place in France next summer.

“The country’s buzzing, it’s waiting to take off,” he said.

“We’re not getting carried away, we still know there’s a job to be done.

“I don’t find it difficult though. I’ve done the Irish thing for a while now. Motherwell is my bread and butter.

“Sometimes it’s good to get different sides and you learn from the managers and players you play against. Hopefully it benefits everyone.

“What’s happened hasn’t just happened over the last two months. It’s what’s been highlighted because we’ve started to be noticed.

“But this has been a long process over the last three years that Michael (O’Neill), myself and Jim Magilton have been there.

“It’s rewarding at times. We’ve still got a bit to do but we’re going in the right direction.”

One man who Robinson is more than familiar with is current Northern Ireland number one and Hamilton captain Michael McGovern.

“I know Michael very well, he’s a very accomplished keeper who’s full of experience,” he said.

“I went to Aberdeen on Tuesday night and watched him have a super game. He looked very commanding.

“He’s a mainstay in their team and captain. But it’s about Motherwell winning this football match.

“I like to see Michael doing well, if he’s not in this game though that would be good!

“He made a fantastic save from Adam Rooney and he’s got that in his locker.

“He’s very vocal as well so he’s a big player for them.

“I’ve been in squads when I was still playing with Michael. He was young back then. Obviously he’s come to the fore lately, become our number one and has done well up until now.”

Eyebrows were raised in midweek as Motherwell added another goalkeeper to their own ranks, bringing in Craig Samson despite having Connor Ripley and Dan Twardzik already in the Fir Park squad.

Robinson explained: “The thinking is that young Brett Long has broken his wrist, Connor Ripley is on loan until January. We didn’t want to be left short.

If there was an injury we don’t have a third goalkeeper at the club.

“Does Craig came into our thoughts for Saturday? I think everyone who’s here come into our thoughts for Saturday.”