Irish midfielder scores stunning late volley to send his team into Cup semi-finals
What a time to score your first goal of the season, writes .
Motherwell captain Carl McHugh's scoring record this season read 36 games, 0 goals heading into their Scottish Cup quarter-final against Hearts. Better known for his defensive work, the Donegal midfielder proved an unlikely goalscoring hero at Fir Park.
What's more, his 25-yard screamer, following some textbook chest control, was dispatched from his weaker right foot.
Teammate Ryan Bowman could only put his head in his hands in shock before celebrating.
A cup classic indeed!
It's all over and #Motherwell are in the #ScottishCup semi-finals for the first time since 2011.
— BBC Sport Scotland (@BBCSportScot) March 4, 2018
Carl McHugh will miss the outing at Hampden Park through suspension, but the midfielder shrugged off his yellow card to become a hero with a terrific strike. pic.twitter.com/Flxr94y1vr
Manager Stephen Robinson urged his players to win the Hampden Park semi-final for McHugh, who will be suspended for a first-half booking - his second of the tournament.
When asked if he could have foreseen the finish, Robinson said: "On Carl's right foot? No. Listen, he was excellent and he has been recently.
"He maybe doesn't get the plaudits he deserves but the job he does in front of our back four, the headers and tackles and the organisation he gives us, is excellent. I think he got his just rewards.
"Unfortunately he misses the semi, he's been booked, which is a travesty for the boy. So we have to make sure we get to that final and give him his just rewards."
