RUSSELL Griffiths is aiming to secure a Ladbrokes Premiership future for himself as well as Motherwell in a pivotal week.
The on-loan Everton goalkeeper kept a clean sheet in his second appearance on Saturday as Motherwell edged out Hamilton to leapfrog their Lanarkshire rivals.
The 1-0 victory ensured the Steelmen will not face automatic relegation and they could avoid a play-off when they host Kilmarnock tonight as Hamilton play Ross County in Dingwall.
Griffiths made an impressive stop from Alex D’Acol with Saturday’s game goalless and the 21-year-old hopes to earn himself a long-term deal with Stephen Robinson’s side.
“It was great to play my second game and to come out with a clean sheet was even better,” said Griffiths, who joined Motherwell on loan in January after a temporary spell with Cheltenham.
“There was a big sigh of relief when the final whistle went. It was a nervous game to go into but the gaffer told me before the game not to be nervous, just to go out and play my game and show people what I can do.
“It was nice to make a save in an important game, it helps build my confidence up.
“It’s been a hard few months trying to get in the team but I have been patient and thankfully I have been able to play the last couple of games.
“I’m a free agent in the summer so hopefully everything goes well here and I can maybe sign here. We’ll get the next few games out the way and see where we stand and take it from there.
“Obviously, depending on results, how I perform will contribute a lot to what happens with me next season.”
Craig Samson made way for Griffiths and the former Kilmarnock goalkeeper was not even on the bench on Saturday after being troubled by a groin issue.
But Samson was on the touchline wishing all of his team-mates well before the game and Griffiths feels such togetherness can help Motherwell get out of danger.
“Sammy has been brilliant for me,” Griffiths said. “His advice is always valuable.
“It’s always difficult not being in the team, like I wasn’t previously. But Sammy has always been there for me and everything he has said to me has been great. It just shows his true professionalism.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here