Jane Lewis, BBC Sport Scotland

Motherwell’s League Cup exit was a sore one for all connected with the club, with the pain compounded by the loss of Mika Biereth to injuruy for three months.

Manager Stuart Kettlewell was quick to confess his frustrations after the defeat by St Mirren and didn’t sugarcoat where he felt his team had gone wrong.

Yet, virtually in the same breath, he spoke about continuing to encourage his players to be positive on the park, even if that means they’ll make further mistakes.

He wants his players to be brave when they make decisions and not afraid of the potential consequences. It’s a fine balance getting that right, and one that requires a strong mindset.

Motherwell will have to move on from their cup blow quickly, but they face a stern test when the league campaign resumes on Saturday at home to another team who’ve started the season brilliantly.

Kilmarnock have been hugely impressive so far - just ask Rangers and Celtic. Derek McInnes’ side have kept three successive clean sheets and beaten both of the Old Firm, so Motherwell face a battle to break down the Killie resolve.

It could be another tight affair as the games between these sides were last season, with three draws followed by a Motherwell win at Fir Park.

But it’s a match that will showcase two of the country's most exciting young talents - Motherwell's Lennon Miller and David Watson of Kilmarnock.