Motherwell star explains 'pure happiness' as European pursuit provides contrast from relegation scrap

Sondre Solholm Johansen has been used to Norwegian relegation battles – and it’s why he’s so keen to fight for Motherwell’s place in Europe.

The Steelmen start their post-split fixtures in the Premiership’s top six against Rangers this Saturday after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Livingston almost a fortnight ago clinched a top half finish.

Callum Slattery’s rocket and a Ricki Lamie header in the 93rd minute sparked bedlam in the Almondvale away end after Graham Alexander’s side found themselves 2-0 down after an hour.

With all but sixth spot now a European place in the top half, Solholm is keen for the Steelmen to try and clinch one of those positions after a torrid run of one league win in 13 matches.

Heart and desire similar to what was shown in West Lothian will be needed if they are to overcome the test of Rangers, alongside the final four fixtures thereafter.

Solholm said: “It’s unreal to be in this position after we failed to win for 11 games straight. To be in the position to go to Europe is amazing.

“We weren’t at it against Livingston but we showed great character as a team. We conceded the second goal and it says it all about the team that we managed to bounce back from that.

“We have shown that quality all season. In my entire career, I’ve been fighting for promotion in the second division of Norway or fighting to escape relegation in the top flight.

“To be fighting for top six spots and potentially Europe, it’s a different feeling to fighting relegation.

“This is pure happiness, not relief. Europe has to be the target. It has to be our mindset. If we don’t set ourselves that aim now, then when are we supposed to aim for it?”

Solholm knows how big Lamie’s goal was for Motherwell, and he’s hoping something can be