Motherwell: Is Tawanda Maswanhise Scotland’s hottest property?

Plundering Motherwell for a forward has worked before for Celtic – think of Scott McDonald’s time in Glasgow, scoring 64 goals in 128 games which included a winner against AC Milan. Albeit that was some time ago now.

However, it doesn’t always work. Jake Hastie never made a league appearance for Rangers, while David Turnbull’s time at Celtic on the back of a £3.25 move ended after struggling for game time.

Wherever he goes, it will be fascinating to see what Maswanhise turns up. He scored just six goals in his debut season at Motherwell following his switch from Leicester City, and was in-and-out of the team under previous boss Michael Wimmer.

But with the guidance of Askou, it has been a different story. His 13 goals in the league make him more prolific than anyone else in Scotland’s topflight, but he is outperforming his expected goals (xG) by 6.5 goals.

He also was named as one of the three most promising talents at the Africa Cup of Nations after shining brightly for Zimbabwe.

Is it the case that this is a purple patch? Has he become a clinical finisher over the summer? Or is he benefitting from Askou’s coaching, as are the likes of Elliot Watt, Callum Slattery, and previous loanee Stephen Welsh? A rising tide lifts all boats, after all.

The fact he stood out so much for his nation in Morocco despite not getting much game time would suggest not.

Regardless, the fact remains Maswanhise is Scotland’s hottest ticket. What the value is of that ticket, Motherwell fans will be hoping we don’t find out any time soon.