(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Motherwell manager Graham Alexander has spoken about new Fir Park signing Ross Tierney and his plans for helping the Irishman settle in Scotland ahead of his move becoming official on January 1.
Tierney has just had a hugely impressive season with Bohemians in the League of Ireland and Alexander plans to let Tierney have a few weeks off after the season just ended in the Republic of Ireland.
“We’ll give him a couple of weeks. We will get him up to speed with the players and how we want to do things. He’ll have a few days off over Christmas,” the Motherwell boss said.
“He’s got a young family and that’s important. When he comes back, he’ll be with us. But he does need a bit of a break as he’s been full on for the last couple of years.
“He’s 20 years of age. He’s a fit boy and he’s desperate to be here. He only needs a short break and we are really excited to see how he joins in and contributes to the team.
“I think he is excited about what he can add to us after watching some of our games, and vice-versa, we are excited to work with him. It’ll be good to have him.
“I think the break will do him good on a personal level. At 20, I don’t think he needs a break from football. But he can’t play for us until January anyway.
“With a young family and moving to a new country, I think that’s more important so he can get his affair in orders.
“They need to get their heads around moving to a new country and settling in. The break is more for that side of it.
“If we were just talking football, I’d get him over now and get him cracking on. There’s a lot said about rest periods and breaks.
“I think players can play more. You play every day until you’re 16 and then you’re told to have rest periods.
“I’m not sure about that. Players love to play and you can see that in Ross. He’ll get that opportunity really soon.”
Tierney is likely to make his debut for the Steelmen in the January 2 clash with St Mirren in Paisley as the Irishman looks to hit the ground running in Scotland.
With Motherwell looking to build on their solid start to the campaign, Tierney’s arrival could really help push the existing Fir Park stars on in the second half of the season.
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