ASKOU'S WELL IN CHARGE

Jens in no rush to punt his in-demand stars

- BY ALISON McCONNELL

JENS BERTHEL ASKOU insists he is at ease with speculation over his players after Motherwell eased to another impressive win against St Mirren.

Tawanda Maswanhise returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty to open the scoring and claim his 13th goal of the season before Elliot Watt lashed in a killer second just before the hour mark.

Keeping the core of players at the club could be key to nailing a European spot that looks to be well within the grasp of Askou's men.

Watt has been linked with Rangers but showed no signs of being distracted by the chat over his immediate future.

Askou smiled and said: “I think if he had been even more focused he might have hit the ball on his laces instead of his shin. But thank God he did, so he went in the top corner instead of across the road at Tim Hortons’ parking lot.

“He's done so well like so many others, and obviously when you do well over time, attention will then come from many places.

“That is something we will have to live with and deal with in the best possible way.