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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Paul Thomson

Motherwell star targets Scotland milestone in Poland friendly

Stephen O'Donnell is hoping to achieve a milestone moment with the national side tonight when they face Poland in a friendly at Hampden.

Scotland were due to host Ukraine in a World Cup play-off semi-final but Russia's invasion of the country and the on-going war has seen that clash postponed until at least June.

Instead, Scotland host the Poles in a match that will raise funds for UNICEF and the humanitarian aid effort with £10 from each ticket sold going to their emergency appeal.

On Tuesday Scotland will then travel to the loser of the other World Cup play-off between Wales and Austria for a second friendly clash.

For Motherwell skipper O'Donnell it's a chance to reach his 25th cap for his country, having first donned the Dark Blue against Peru in May 2018 as a Kilmarnock player.

Wishaw man O'Donnell, who already holds the Motherwell club record for caps won while in claret and amber with 13 appearances, told the club media team: "Over this squad [camp] I would love if it if I managed to win my 25th cap, which would be a special milestone for myself.

"But I'm just delighted to be called up again and looking forward to, hopefully, representing my country.

"You go away to club football for most of the season but when you come into international football it is important that you use the team wisely and get the team together before what will be two massive games in June.

"It's a very important camp in that we try to keep our momentum going and, more importantly, that we build towards the qualifiers, which will be the highlight of the calendar."

O'Donnell's team-mate Liam Kelly is also in the squad and he, too, is hoping to tick off a major moment in his career with a debut.

The uncapped goalkeeper said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be selected for this camp.

"The standard of goalkeeping in this country is really good so the fact I've been picked is a great feeling.

Motherwell keeper Liam Kelly (SNS Group)

"These are big games in preparation for June. I'm really pleased to be involved and hopefully I can have a positive contribution to the group."

There are six Motherwell players on international duty over the next week with midfielders Liam Donnelly and Ross Tierney representing Northern Ireland and Ireland, respectively, while defender Bevis Mugabi is away with Uganda and youngster Max Johnston is part of the Scotland under-19s.

Follow Lanarkshire Live Sport on Twitter via @LanLiveSport, like us on Facebook or find us on Instagram for the latest sports news, pictures and video.

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