Motherwell defender Ricki Lamie hopes to silence Aberdeen stopper Declan Gallagher when the ex-skipper makes his Fir Park return on Saturday.
Lamie admits the Steelmen miss their former captain – though not his voice – and insists there won’t be any text messages or chats between the pair ahead of the clash, which will see Gallagher return for the first time since his summer switch to the Granite City.
The 28-year-old wants to continue Motherwell’s fine run of form, which has seen them win their last two Premiership outings, and stresses that will be the focus when they tackle Stephen Glass’s Dons.
He said: “I don’t know many of the boys, but obviously big Declan’s up there, and I’ve played with him at a few clubs now.
“He’s a great character, and he’s been away this week with the Scotland squad, so it will be good to see him and catch up with him.
“Since the Livingston days we’ve kept in touch and he was part of it when I was coming in to Motherwell – he was in contact with me and welcomed me in.
“He’s a good character and I’d say he’s missed about the place – but his voice isn’t!
“I’ve not spoken to him recently, but I’ll catch up with him on Saturday – I hear enough from him, so I’ll not speak to him before then.”
Since losing their opening day league game at home to Hibs, Motherwell have drawn against St Johnstone and beat Livingston and Dundee, though they did fall in the Premier Sports Cup second round, with a 1-0 defeat at Dundee.
Lamie admits it was good to have some time off during the international break, but is eager to get back at it against Aberdeen.
He said: “The games have been thick and fast since the start of the season, with the League Cup stuff, so it was a welcome couple of days’ down-time.
“But we’re back at it, and results have been decent, so we’re looking to keep it going and pick up where we left off. It’s always a tough game [against Aberdeen], home or away, and it will be an interesting one.
“They’ve had a similar start to ourselves, so I think it will be quite evenly-matched.
“Aberdeen have brought in a few new faces that we’ve not been up against and a new manager as well.”
Season ticket-holders were back at Fir Park for their 1-0 win over Dundee on August 28 and Lamie expects a bumper crowd.
He said: “Since the doors have been back open, regardless of the numbers, the voices have been there and the support has been there, so hopefully it’s more of the same.
“It will be happy days if we get another big crowd and I’m sure Aberdeen will bring a few bodies as well.”
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