LAS: KEEP EUR MOUTH SHUT
KEITH LASLEY wants talk of Europe to be banned from Fir Park – even if Motherwell can blast four points clear in the race for third tonight.
The Well coach doesn’t want the squad dreaming of continental competition just yet as his side look to regain some form after hitting a rough patch in the Premiership.
Stephen Robinson’s men have held on to third spot ahead of Aberdeen despite going five games without a win in the league.
The Dons have stuttered as well and the Steelmen can opened up daylight with a win against St Mirren at home tonight.
But Lasley said: “I hope the players aren’t even thinking about Europe yet.
“Come back and speak to me with a couple of weeks left in the season and, if we’re still in this position, I’ll be happy to talk about it.
“But at the moment it’s not part of our vocabulary and it’s certainly not in our thinking and I’m being serious when I say that.
“We set small, short-term targets for the players and that’s not one of them. It’s
BY MICHAEL GANNON too far away to consider. Right now it’s all about St Mirren.
“We’re not letting our minds wander and we won’t get carried away. If you allow yourself to do that then you’ll soon receive a boot up the you know what.”
Lasley admits Well are still feeling the aftershock from last week’s sickening Scottish Cup exit at the hands of the Saints.
The Steelmen battled back from 4-1 down only to get bounced out after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Lasley said: “There is a bit of motivation there because it’s a stark reminder that, if you drop your standards, that can happen against any team in this division.
“I’m hoping we’ll start better, that’s for sure.
“St Mirren aren’t a gimme, not at all. From bottom to top there’s not a lot in this league.
“It’s up to us to combat the threats they showed in that game, nullify them if we can.
“We’re at home and it’s up to us to push forward and try to win the match.”