Graham Alexander challenges Motherwell to go on and seal European football

Motherwell manager Graham Alexander has challenged his players to go on and seal European football after sneaking into the cinch Premiership top six.

The Steelmen made sure they will face the league’s elite in the remaining five games of the season after Ricki Lamie’s injury-time equaliser at Livingston propelled them back into the top half at the Lions’ expense.

Motherwell are now only a point adrift of fourth place and with it guaranteed Europa Conference League football, while even fifth spot could be enough to secure a trip to the continent if Hibernian do not win the Scottish Cup.

Former Scotland international Alexander wants his players to make sure they finish the campaign on a high.

He said: “It’s now down to the players and their mentality what they want to do. Celebrate now as if the season is finished and we’re content with top six, or push it and go for that European spot.

“You saw their mentality on Saturday and last week. Even when going through the run we were on; coming from behind to win points, 2-0 down to Rangers, drew 2-2.

“The character is brilliant. We don’t have to offer more incentives. They want to win anyway.

“There are two marker posts and the first judgement point is the split.

“Now we have another one at the end of the season.

“Last year we were looking over our shoulders with a few games to go.

“To not be in that position this year is a relief.

“We are happy with that but the boys will want to achieve a little bit more.

“The league tells you we have made progress.

“We had ambitions and targets. Last year it was staying up, and this year it was top six.”

Alexander also praised the club’s board for showing faith in him during their sticky patch.

He added: “I am so pleased for (chairman) Jim