Calum: It'll Be Heartache To Face Well

Jan 6 2008 By Euan Mclean

IF it had been any other game Calum Elliot would be cheering Motherwell on to honour Phil O'Donnell's memory with a victory they could dedicate to the memory of their tragic captain.

But with Hearts having the thankless task of facing Well on Saturday in their first game back since O'Donnell's death Elliot must defy a nationwide wave of support willing the Lanarkshire side to claim a poignant win in the Scottish Cup clash at Tynecastle.

That's no easy task for Hearts' players who were as shocked as the rest of us by the 35-year-old's death last weekend.

But for Elliot in particular it goes against all his emotions, having got to know O'Donnell during his four-month loan spell at Fir Park last season.

In that time O'Donnell became everything from counsellor to taxi driver for the 20-year-old as the generous skipper went out of his way to help the new boy settle during a difficult period.

Calum will always be grateful but for the most 90 difficult minutes of his life the hitman must put goodwill to one side as Jambos square up to a team he expects to be even more motivated than ever.

Elliot was sent off yesterday in Hearts' 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock but will be eligible to play in the Cup.

He said: "It will be difficult for everyone, especially the Motherwell players who are still coming to terms with losing one of their own.

"If Well were facing any other team I would be willing them to win but we can't be too sympathetic given the way our season has gone.

"This match is vital for us too because we need to start winning and a cup run would be a boost.

"But this game couldn't be any harder. Motherwell are always a dangerous side but will be especially fired up to win their first game back and dedicate it to Phil's memory.

"I can't imagine how they must be feeling but I've no doubt they will be 100 per cent determined to get a victory."

Elliot thought he couldn't feel any worse as he drove home last Saturday after Falkirk had inflicted Hearts' fifth consecutive SPL defeat.

Then a radio report announced the shocking news from Fir Park that put everything in perspective.

Calum said: "I had to listen twice because I couldn't believe it. I had a sick feeling in my stomach and that night I stayed in and tried to watch telly with my girlfriend but all I could think of was Phil.

"He was such a kind guy and I will always remember how much he did for me at Motherwell. At the time I couldn't drive and had to take a lot of trains and buses to get back and forward from my home in Edinburgh.

"Phil would regularly give me a lift to the station or to the flat where I sometimes stayed.

"I was struggling with my form but Phil was a massive help. He told me always to keep my head up.

"Unfortunately I never got the chance to play with him because he was injured for most of my time there but he was still a huge presence.

"He was always offering advice to young players and you could see the respect he had in the dressing-room."