All's not well for Saints clash

Motherwell and St Johnstone will earn the dubious distinction of taking part in the Scottish Premier League's first meaningless game.

The decision to split the league in two after 33 games gives mid-table teams the incentive of trying to reach the top six, which will earn lucrative gate money from clashes with the Old Firm.

Sadly for Well and Saints that is beyond them now and with relegation not an issue either, the Fir Park tussle will be little more than a pointer for next season.

Indeed, both sides are to give their younger players a chance to get a feel of first team football.

Motherwell manager Billy Davies had not much choice though, having seen experienced players Andy Goram, Lee McCulloch, Stevie McMillan, Ged Brannan and John Spencer all leave the club in recent weeks.

He said: "We will be fielding a number of young players over the next few weeks to give us an opportunity to see how they perform at first team level and assess our current staff with a view to next season.

"Lads like Steve Nicholson, Keith Lasley, Dougie Ramsay, James McFadden, Steve Pearson and Martin Wood have all done well when they have come in, so a wee run in the top team will give them experience and help boost their confidence."

Striker Kevin Twaddle - who was substituted at Hearts last week after feeling the effects of a flu virus - will return, but there will be early morning fitness tests for defender Benito Kemble (ankle) and midfielder Paul Harvey (back).

Derek Townsley is expected to be out for several weeks with a broken nose.

Saints boss Sandy Clark was delighted to end a run of 13 games without a win on Sunday with a 2-0 home victory over Hibernian, who are chasing a European spot.

Changes are inevitable as John Paul McBride damaged an ankle, but Clark can welcome back Stuart McCluskey from suspension and Paul Kane, who has shaken off 'flu.

Clark has also blooded youngsters by giving teenagers Ross Forsyth and David McClune starts and also including Keigan Parker, Brendan Crozier and Kevin Cuthbert in his squad.

Clark said: "We would like to get two in a row. It will be difficult, but the youngsters have done well.

"We want to finish the season strongly to begin the preparations for the next one. We will be looking at different formations and getting one or two young players in. "