John Philliben on when Motherwell nearly downed Borussia Dortmund and other European adventures: "We felt we could beat anybody"

As a driving instructor on the hottest day of the year, Motherwell great John Philliben is relieved to take a break from sitting in a car to relive some adventures in claret and amber.

He is a busy man as he seeks to deal with the backlog of learners caused by Covid-19. Philliben is expert at reminding those seated next to him to keep their eyes on the road. It’s advice Motherwell should probably heed as well.

Graham Alexander’s side kick- off another European campaign against Sligo Rovers in the first leg of a Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie at Fir Park this evening. They have high hopes - and not only because the away goals rule has been abolished.

Motherwell are bidding to secure a clash with either Sparta Prague or Viking FK in the second edition of this competition.

At the risk of getting ahead of ourselves, history lies within their grasp. The Fir Park side must do something they have never done before to reach the group stage: prevail through three rounds of European competition.

Motherwell have qualified for Europe seven times since 2008-09, when they made their return after a 13-year absence against French side Nancy and suffered defeat in both legs. However, Philliben remembers when it really did feel like a new frontier.

The club’s first golden age existed before European football was underway. Supporters had to wait until 1991 for their first glimpse of competitive European action.

A first round Cup-Winners’ Cup tie versus GKS Katowice was the reward for beating Dundee United in a classic Scottish Cup final the previous May. But in no way could it be considered compensation for Philliben missing out on the memorable afternoon at Hampden. He was excluded by manager Tommy McLean from the