Rapid were due to play Livingston on Saturday but the game was called off as the pitch was waterlogged. The Romanians did manage to play Morton last week and saw them off with an easy 5-2 win. They start their competitive season when they play in the second qualifying round of the Europa League in the middle of the month.
The Motherwell squad returned from their Algarve training week on Friday and no doubt they will be keen to start the series of warn up matches against a style that will prepare them for the Champions League qualifiers. Matches against Ayr United, Raith Rovers, Everton and Hamilton Accies will complete the warm up schedule.
These games rarely provide great entertainment but they are a necessary part of the build up to every season. There was a time when the gates at Fir Park would be open and a charitable collection would be taken as the first team played the reserves but the modern habit is to charge for these training sessions.
We’ll line up without Jennings and Clancy and the manager will be keen to see how last season’s fringe players can fill the gaps. At the same time he’ll be trying to figure out if his limited budget can stretch to augment the squad. It is likely that Simon Ramsden will make his debut in the back line as we continue to assess the ex-Bradford defender.
Tickets for Monday’s games are available from the Fir Park ticket office for £10 and £5. Kick off is at 7pm and the stadium is a mile from Junction 5 on the M9.