Motherwell boss Robinson hails "fantastic" goalkeeper Trevor Carson

Stephen Robinson has led Motherwell to the Betfred Cup final and William Hill Scottish Cup semi-finals in his first full season as gaffer (Pic by Ian McFadyen)

The 'Well gaffer - who has worked wonders this season on a shoestring budget - praised the Northern Irish international keeper while also stressing that Richard Tait and Curtis Main have also been among the standouts for the Steelmen in recent weeks.

“Carson would certainly be my number one choice in the top Scottish Premiership team, although there are a lot of good keepers in Scotland,” Robinson added.

“And Richard Tait epitomises everything we have at the football club.

Trevor Carson makes a save in the Betfred Cup final against Celtic (Pic by Michael Gillen)

“He has been fantastic in every position and gives 100 per cent in every game.

“He wasn’t picked in the latest Scotland squad, but I still stick by him getting international recognition.

“I’m sure Alex McLeish (Scotland manager) will be aware of Richard and I see no reason why he can’t get picked in the future.

“Curtis Main’s work rate is superb. He runs his socks off and was terrific in our last game against Celtic.”

Motherwell’s playing resources have been further stretched in recent days by injuries to Craig Tanner (who faces four to six months out with a knee injury) and Andy Rose, who Robbo revealed will be sidelined for three weeks after cracking a kneecap in training.

These problems mean that the ’Well gaffer hasn’t ruled out signing a free transfer before the season is out.

“It is the forward area I’m looking at,” said the Northern Irishman. “There is not a lot out there but we are always looking.

“We have Ryan Bowman and Curtis Main, but maybe Deimantas Petravicius and some of the younger boys will get a chance.”

Motherwell return to Scottish Premiership action in a live BT Sport home clash against Rangers this Saturday, kick-off 12.30pm.

“We are full of confidence going into every game if we play like we can,” Robbo said.

“We can cope with any team in the division which we showed against Celtic.

“I haven’t given up on a top six finish this season until it’s mathematically impossible.

“Football is a strange game and there will be some strange results between now and the split. We need to win games but we have beaten Rangers and Aberdeen before.”