Stevie Is Back To His Roots

Feb 10 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

Motherwell V Dundee Tomorrow, Kick-Off 7.45pm

STEVEN HAMMELL has revealed he turned down a lucrative new deal at Southend in favour of a shock return to the SPL.

The Motherwell defender went back to his old club last-month after an 18-month spell at Roots Hall.

Southend tried desperately to keep Hammell but the full back wanted to be close to his family again.

Now the 25-year-old can't wait to perform under Well gaffer Mark McGhee.

Steven said: "I signed for two years at Southend and thoroughly enjoyed it. But with my contract up in the summer I thought it would be nice to move closer to home.

"The Southend chairman offered me a great deal and they didn't want to lose me.

But it was never about money.

"I'd made my mind up and discovered Motherwell were keen.

"It was an easy decision as I had a great time at Fir Park. The fans have always been brilliant with me and this is the perfect move.

"I have been instantly impressed with Mark and admire how he does things. What he has achieved for Motherwell already has been incredible."

Hammell has joined at an ideal time as McGhee's side try to maintain their lofty position in the league and embark on a Scottish Cup run. Steven will line up against Dundee tomorrow night in their long-awaited fifth-round tie at Fir Park.

And with Queen of the South waiting for the winners in the quarters Hammell has his sights set on Hampden.

He said: "It would mean everything to get a cup run. It has been a while since the club won anything but the draw has been kind.

"If we beat Dundee it's a lower-league side in the quarters and we're confident we can do the business."

Hammell has just one Scotland cap - against Sweden in 2004 - and insists he had no chance of any more while in League One.

But he feels he can force his way into George Burley's plans if he impresses in the SPL.

Steven said: "There's a 100 per cent better chance of me getting called up now.

"I could have been playing the best football of my life at Southend and it would have gone unnoticed.

"I've been playing well and if I continue that for Well there's every chance I'll get involved with Scotland."

One player on his way out of Fir Park is striker Ross McCormack who is close to signing a pre-contract agreement with Wigan.

Scotland Under-21 team-mate Kevin McDonald (right) reckons the Well star will be a hit down south.

But the Dundee midfielder is gutted McCormack didn't move during last month's transfer window as he now has to face him in the cup.

McDonald - who has been watched by Everton, Spurs and Newcastle - said: "Ross has everything it takes to be a top striker.

"He's playing consistently at the highest level and scoring so no wonder clubs in England are looking at him.

"Ross will make it down there because he's one of our best talents.

"But from Dundee's point of view it's a pity he's not away already as he'll be a handful.

"We played well against Celtic in the CIS Cup and got plenty of praise but this time we want the result as well as the performance."